By Linda Naa Deide Aryeetey
Accra, June 24, GNA – The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed 10 new Mpox infections over the past week, raising the country’s total case count to 117.
In its latest update, the Service reported no hospitalisations or deaths and stated it remained vigilant across all 16 regions, actively monitoring cases through its surveillance system.
It added that regional health directorates have activated public health measures, including contact tracing, to prevent further spread.
The GHS said it was working closely with the Ministry of Health to implement appropriate containment strategies.
Earlier this month, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, reassured the public that there was no cause for widespread alarm, stating that the country’s health system remained vigilant and was rigorously following established protocols for detecting, managing, and controlling infectious diseases.
The Service urged the public to maintain good hygiene, avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, and promptly report any suspected cases.
“We have the capacity and expertise to manage this situation and prevent a larger outbreak,” it said.
Mpox is a viral disease transmitted through close contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials. Symptoms include rash, fever, headaches, muscle and back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
The GHS advised frequent handwashing with soap and water or hand sanitiser, wearing masks, covering lesions when around others, keeping skin dry and uncovered, and disinfecting shared surfaces.
It also recommended saltwater rinses for mouth sores.
In August last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) due to a new variant spreading across Africa.
So far, Mpox has been reported in over 13 African countries.
As of last year, 17,000 suspected cases and 517 deaths were reported, according to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
The WHO has since approved the first Mpox vaccine, aiming to improve access for millions at risk across the continent, where more than 20,000 infections have been recorded.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth sackey