The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed the country's first Mpox case this year, involving a 15-year-old male in the Bia West District of the Western North Region.
The Incident
The patient presented with symptoms of rash, fever, and bodily pains at a hospital and was subsequently isolated in line with Mpox management protocols. Test results from the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) confirmed the disease on October 1, 2024.
Contact Tracing
Twenty-five contacts of the case have been identified and are currently being monitored. Fortunately, the patient has since been discharged and is in stable condition.
Mpox in Ghana: A Growing Concern
This latest case brings the total number of suspected Mpox cases in Ghana to 230, spread across 88 districts in all 16 regions. The Greater Accra Region tops the list with 87 suspected cases, followed by the Central Region with 26 cases, and the Ashanti and Volta regions with 20 cases each.
Previous Outbreaks
Ghana recorded 120 Mpox cases in 2022 and eight cases in 2023. Unfortunately, four deaths have been recorded since 2022.
Understanding Mpox
Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by a virus similar to smallpox. It's primarily transmitted through:
- Direct contact with infected rodents or primates
- Human-to-human contact via respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials
Symptoms and Recovery
Mpox symptoms appear within 5-16 days after exposure and include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle and backaches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Distinctive rash
Most people recover within four weeks, but severe cases can be fatal.
Global Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, due to its spread across 18 African countries, affecting over 15,000 people and claiming 150 lives. A more contagious variant, Clade 1b, is responsible for the recent surge, especially among children.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
As Ghanaian health authorities work to contain this outbreak, it's essential to stay informed about Mpox and take necessary precautions. We'll continue to provide updates and guidance to keep you and your loved ones safe.
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