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Ghana's Mpox Cases Rise to Three as Greater Accra Region Confirms New Infection
Accra, Ghana - Nov 15, 2024 - Ghana's Mpox case count has risen to three after a new case was confirmed in the Greater Accra Region.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) reported this latest case, which was recorded last week, and assured the public that necessary measures are being taken to monitor and limit the spread of the virus.
In an interview with Citi News, Dr. Dennis Laryea, Deputy Director of Public Health at the GHS, disclosed that the region has done its investigations, and so far, no new cases have been identified among contacts.
However, they're still keeping a close eye on the situation to determine if anyone develops symptoms.
“We had the outbreak in Western North, but I think it has been contained. There was one case confirmed in the Greater Accra Region, the region has done their investigations, and so far, we haven’t confirmed any case even among the contacts. But we’re still following them up to determine if anybody develops symptoms. The case was confirmed last week, the person is quite very well. That has been handled,'' he stated.
“But sometimes when you get these cases, you want to be double sure that there are others out there that we haven’t picked. And so, the region is working with the district to make sure that they have been able to follow all the contacts,” he added.
To put this into context, the first Mpox case in Ghana was recorded in August 2024 in the Western Region, where 25 contacts were identified.
Shortly after, the mother of the patient tested positive, raising the total to two cases as of October 31, 2024.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. Common symptoms include:
- Rash or mucosal lesions, which can last 2-4 weeks
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Low energy
- Swollen lymph nodes
The GHS continues to emphasize its vigilance and commitment to disease control efforts.
Source: Florence Kyei / Lead News Online
