Seven new confirmed cases as of July 6 have pushed the country's Mpox cases to 170, according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

As of June 30, the number of confirmed cases stood at 163 after the service recorded 30 new cases.

Over the period, the GHS has observed an increasing rate in contraction of the disease.

Currently, none of those who have contracted the disease have been admitted. Also, no deaths have been reported.

Earlier reports indicated that the Western Region was experiencing a sharp rise in infections.

The government is engaging international organizations for assistance in procuring vaccines to be able to curb the surging number of cases being reported.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Ghana has provided laboratory PCR reagents to enhance the country’s diagnostic capacity.

The donation was officially handed over to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory.

Receiving the supplies on behalf of the GHS, Acting Deputy Director General, Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah expressed gratitude for WHO’s ongoing logistical and technical support.

“We promise from our end to do our bit, collaborate, go out there, and look for the cases to make sure that this is really brought under control,” she stated.

WHO Country Representative Dr. Fiona Braka emphasized that the organization hopes the reagents will enable rapid diagnosis and prompt public health responses.

The supplies are capable of testing 3,400 suspected mpox samples, and additional kits provided will allow clade determination for 625 confirmed positive cases.

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.

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.

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

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

The government of Ghana has assured its commitment to safeguarding public health by implementing appropriate measures to protect the health and well-being of all residents.