Ghana Health Service Confirm New Mpox Case in Greater Accra Region

The Ghana Health Service confirmed a new Mpox case in the Greater Accra Region, increasing recent cases to three. The Deputy Director of Public Health reported that the latest case was investigated last week, with no new associated cases identified yet. The GHS is monitoring contacts of the confirmed case as they remain vigilant in controlling the outbreak.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced the confirmation of a fresh case of Mpox in the Greater Accra Region, thereby raising the total number of recent cases in the country to three. Dr. Dennis Laryea, Deputy Director of Public Health at the GHS, indicated that this particular case was recorded last week and no additional cases have been found among the contacts so far. He noted, “There was one case confirmed in the Greater Accra Region. The region has done their investigations so far. We haven’t identified any new cases, even amongst the contacts, but we’re still following the map to determine if anybody develops symptoms.” Currently, the GHS is actively monitoring the individuals who had contact with the confirmed case to curb the spread of the virus. Previously, the first Mpox case in Ghana was identified in August 2024 in the Western Region, involving 25 contacts. Shortly thereafter, the mother of the infected individual tested positive, contributing to a total of two cases by the end of October 2024. Despite the increasing number of reported cases, the GHS remains committed to comprehensive disease control measures and is actively engaging in monitoring activities. The World Health Organization defines Mpox, formerly referred to as monkeypox, as a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus. The virus has two distinct clades: clade I and clade II, which includes subclades IIa and IIb. A global outbreak of Mpox associated with clade IIb occurred during 2022–2023. Common symptoms encompass a rash or lesions, lasting 2–4 weeks, along with fever, headaches, muscle pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes, underscoring the persistent threat posed by Mpox today.

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, classified within the Orthopoxvirus genus. Although previously considered limited in occurrence, a resurgence of cases has led to heightened attention from public health authorities globally. In Ghana, cases began to emerge with the first recorded instance in August 2024, prompting health officials to implement stringent monitoring and disease control measures. The causal relationship between the virus’s distinct clades and the ongoing outbreaks underscores the need for vigilant surveillance and public health preparedness, particularly in light of symptoms that can significantly impact health.

In summary, the Ghana Health Service’s confirmation of a new Mpox case in Greater Accra emphasizes the ongoing challenges posed by this viral disease. Despite the current rise in cases, health authorities are diligently monitoring the situation. The GHS continues to reassure the public of its commitment to controlling the spread of Mpox, reflecting an unwavering focus on public health safety. The collaboration with entities such as the World Health Organization remains essential in addressing the challenges presented by this disease.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com