Ghana Health Service Reports New Case of Mpox in Greater Accra Region
The Ghana Health Service has confirmed a new Mpox case in Greater Accra, totaling three recent cases in Ghana. The GHS has conducted investigations and is closely monitoring contacts of the confirmed case. The initial case was reported in August 2024, leading to heightened vigilance and public health measures amid growing concerns over the virus’s spread.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported a new case of Mpox in the Greater Accra Region, bringing the total cases identified recently in Ghana to three. Dr. Dennis Laryea, the Deputy Director of Public Health at the GHS, indicated that the latest case was confirmed last week. Investigations into this case have commenced, and no additional cases have been identified among contacts, although monitoring continues to assess potential symptom developments. The GHS reassures the public that appropriate measures are in place to monitor the situation and limit the spread of the virus among individuals who came into contact with the index case. The first case of Mpox in Ghana was identified in August 2024 in the Western Region, initially involving 25 contacts. Subsequently, the patient’s mother also tested positive, increasing the confirmed cases to two by October 31, 2024. The GHS remains vigilant in its disease control efforts to address the emergence of these cases, despite the rising numbers. According to the World Health Organization, Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease resulting from the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, and is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and distinctive rash.
Mpox, recognized formerly as monkeypox, is a viral infection that has gained increased attention due to its recent resurgence and ability to spread among humans. The World Health Organization classifies it under the Orthopoxvirus genus, which includes several other notable viruses. The disease has two main clades, which have demonstrated different transmissibility patterns and associated health outcomes. With global attention stemming from a significant outbreak in 2022-2023 largely attributed to clade IIb, public health agencies worldwide are now focusing on vigilance and strategies for disease containment. The emergence of cases in Ghana indicates a crucial need for surveillance and public health intervention in West Africa.
In summary, the Ghana Health Service has confirmed an additional case of Mpox, marking an uptick in reported infections across the country. Continuous monitoring and investigation efforts are underway, particularly involving contacts of the confirmed case. The GHS’s commitment to controlling this virus is evident, as they seek to reassure the public about health safety measures. Health authorities are focused on containing the outbreak, which ties into a broader global response against Mpox and similar viral threats.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
