A third case of MPOX has been confirmed in Ghana, this time in the Greater Accra Region, bringing the country's recent total to three cases.

Dr. Dennis Laryea, Deputy Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), shared that the latest case was detected last week and that investigations in the region have not identified further cases among contacts, though monitoring continues.

The first case of MPOX this year in Ghana was reported in August in the Western Region, with 25 contacts identified. Shortly after, a second case was confirmed involving the mother of the initial patient, raising concerns about the virus’s spread.

MPOX, also known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). It is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family, sharing characteristics with other poxviruses like smallpox. Symptoms often include a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and muscle aches.

The virus typically spreads through close contact, including skin-to-skin or respiratory droplets, and can also be contracted through contact with contaminated objects or animal scratches and bites.

The GHS has assured the public that necessary preventive measures are being taken to monitor the situation closely. However, individuals are advised to practice caution, particularly in close-contact environments, and to observe hygiene practices to reduce transmission risks.