Mpox Outbreak in Ghana Takes a Deadly Turn: First Death Recorded

Accra, Ghana – 27 July, 2025 – Ghana has confirmed its first death from the Mpox virus, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) reported on July 22, 2025. This development comes amid a surge in new cases, with 23 additional infections recorded, bringing the total number of Mpox cases in the country to 257 since the outbreak began.

Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral infection that causes fever, body aches, and distinctive skin lesions. It spreads through close physical contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. The disease poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

The Ghana Health Service has it is working diligently to contain the spread of the virus, emphasizing the importance of early detection and responsible behavior. Health authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures, including ;avoiding close contact with infected individuals ,washing hands regularly to prevent transmission and reporting symptoms early to the nearest health facility.

The GHS has assured the public that efforts are ongoing to provide necessary care for affected persons and contain the spread of the virus. Plans are also underway to acquire Mpox vaccines, which will prioritize high-risk groups. According to Dr. Franklyn Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at the GHS, the vaccine acquisition process is advanced, and vaccinations will commence once the doses arrive.

The Mpox outbreak in Ghana mirrors a broader trend across West and Central Africa, with thousands of cases reported in countries like Sierra Leone, DR Congo, Uganda, and Burundi. The World Health Organization (WHO) has maintained Mpox as an international health emergency, warning of sustained transmission in the region.

Source: Lead News Online/Leticia Okpoti