Tension rises as Ghana confirms more Mpox cases
Tension rises as health officials in Ghana have confirmed that the country is experiencing a concerning rise in Mpox cases.
According to new reports, 26 fresh cases have been recorded, bringing the total number of infections to 45 since the virus was first detected this year.
So far, two patients are currently on admission in health facilities and are being closely monitored by medical professionals. The good news is that no deaths have been recorded so far.
Sources reveal that more than eight regions in the country have already reported cases, prompting the Ghana Health Service and other agencies to increase surveillance across the country. This means that health officials are stepping up efforts to track, test, and isolate cases quickly before the situation gets worse.
Public Alert Issued
Ghanaians have been urged to take this development seriously. Health experts say that if anyone begins to show symptoms of the disease, they should immediately visit the nearest health facility. Quick diagnosis and early treatment can make a big difference.
The Ghana Health Service is also working hard to trace people who may have come into contact with infected individuals. This is an important part of trying to stop the virus from spreading to more people and more regions.
So far, there have been no indications of a lockdown or travel restrictions, but officials are not ruling out any measures if the situation escalates.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, which was formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral disease that spreads both from animals to humans and from one person to another. It is caused by the Mpox virus, which belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus, although Mpox is less severe.
In recent years, Mpox has spread from a few African countries to become a global health concern, with thousands of infections recorded in over 120 countries.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
The disease often begins with flu-like symptoms, such as:
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Back pain
Low energy
Swollen lymph nodes (especially around the neck and underarms)
A few days after these symptoms start, a rash develops—usually on the face, hands, feet, or genitals. The rash begins as red spots, which then turn into fluid-filled blisters and eventually scab over.
The full illness can last two to four weeks.
Not everyone gets severely sick, but Mpox can be very painful and uncomfortable. It spreads more easily when people are in close contact, so catching it early and staying away from others when infected is key.
How Does Mpox Spread?
The virus spreads through:
Close physical contact with an infected person’s rashes, body fluids, or scabs
Touching objects such as bedding, towels, or clothing used by someone with Mpox
Prolonged face-to-face contact that exposes a person to infected respiratory droplets
Contact with infected animals, especially rodents or primates
It is important to note that anyone can catch Mpox, especially if they are in close contact with someone who is infected.
Global Mpox Situation
Globally, Mpox has affected over 100,000 people in 122 countries—many of which had never reported the disease before.
Some African countries, such as Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and even Zimbabwe, are experiencing ongoing outbreaks of Mpox that are spreading from person to person.
Other countries, including the USA, UK, France, India, and Brazil, have also recorded travel-related Mpox cases. This means the virus is now a global issue, not just an African problem.
Two Types of Mpox Virus
There are two major types of the Mpox virus:
Clade I – This version is mostly found in Central Africa and tends to be more severe.
Clade II – This version has caused the current international outbreak and is generally milder but still dangerous.
Both versions can spread in similar ways, and the same prevention methods work for both.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
Health experts in Ghana and around the world recommend some basic steps to reduce your risk of catching Mpox:
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Avoid close physical contact with people who have rashes, sores, or symptoms of Mpox.
Do not share towels, bedding, or clothes with anyone suspected of being sick.
Clean surfaces regularly, especially if someone in your home is showing symptoms.
If you work in a healthcare setting, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling suspected Mpox patients.
If you think you might have been exposed or are developing symptoms, isolate yourself and call a health worker immediately.
Ghana’s Health Authorities on High Alert
The Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with other health partners, says it is actively monitoring the spread of Mpox in the country.
According to officials, regional health directorates have been given instructions to remain alert and strengthen their surveillance systems. Training sessions for health workers on how to identify and manage Mpox cases are also ongoing.
Public education campaigns are expected to be scaled up in the coming weeks, with messages in local languages so that everyone, especially those in rural areas, can be informed.