The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced a spike in the contraction of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in its recent update.

0

As of June 6, the number of confirmed cases rose to 79 from 45 (reported as of May 31), with no fatalities recorded.

1

A total of 34 new cases have been reported as against 26 new cases recorded on 31st May.

2

Presently, four individuals who have contracted the illness are currently on admission. Previously, two individuals who contracted the disease were admitted to a health facility.

3

According to the GHS, the recent rise in cases is "due to stronger surveillance such as contact tracing and increased public awareness."

4

5

As of May 29, 10 new cases had been recorded, leading to a total of 19 confirmed cases. Five individuals were admitted to health facilities at the time. Presently, no deaths have been reported.

6

As of May 21, the GHS in a flier revealed that the country's confirmed cases had hit nine. The Service earlier noted that as of May 18, the number of cases stood at four.

7

Ghana recorded the first Mpox case in June 2022, with five cases, and by November 2023, health authorities had confirmed a total of 34 cases. Despite the increase in cases, Ghana has not recorded any Mpox-related deaths.

8

The Ministry of Health and the GHS have called on all media houses to support public education efforts by using their platforms to raise awareness and provide accurate information on Mpox.

9

"The Government of Ghana remains committed to safeguarding public health. Drawing on our experience in managing similar outbreaks, we will continue to implement appropriate measures to protect the health and well-being of all residents," said in its statement dated May 18.

10

Mpox is a viral illness similar to smallpox. It typically causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin or bodily fluids, including through sexual contact.

11

To reduce your risk, avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, maintain proper hand hygiene, and refrain from sharing personal items.

12

Symptoms may include fever, rash or lesions, tiredness, headaches, muscle and back pain, and swollen glands.

13

Ghana will soon experience relief in response to the surging cases of monkeypox (Mpox), as the government is engaging international organizations for assistance.

14

Speaking to the media on Saturday, June 7, Director for Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Franklyn Asiedu Bekoe, disclosed that the country is already in talks with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to receive MPOX vaccines.

15

According to him, the GHS has submitted the requirements for the vaccines. He noted that, unlike before, the country’s current trend of infection has given Ghana the room to receive vaccines.

16

"We're engaging WHO and the Africa CDC so that we get the vaccines. Somewhere last year, Ghana didn't have any established human-to-human transmission, so we do not qualify. Now that we have human-to-human transmission. The idea is that we will be able to identify a clear group who will benefit from the vaccine," he added.

17