Ghana Health Service records Mpox case in Greater Accra Region

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed a new case of Mpox in the Greater Accra Region, increasing the total number of recent cases in the country to three.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com, Dr. Dennis Laryea, Deputy Director of Public Health at the GHS in charge of Disease Surveillance disclosed that the latest case was recorded last week.

"There was one case confirmed in the Greater Accra Region. The region has done their investigations so far. We haven't identified any new cases, even amongst the contacts, but we're still following the map to determine if anybody develops symptoms. I don't have the figures for the contacts off head, but the case was confirmed last week," he stated.

The GHS has assured the public that necessary measures are being taken to monitor and limit the spread of the virus, and individuals who have been in contact with the latest case are under observation.

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.

Despite the rise in cases, the GHS continues to emphasise its vigilance and commitment to disease control efforts.

According to the World Health Organisation, Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus.

There are two distinct clades of the virus: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb). In 2022–2023, a global outbreak of Mpox was caused by the clade IIb strain.

It notes that Mpox continues to be a threat today, and common symptoms include a rash or mucosal lesions, which can last 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

JKB/OGB

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