Ghana Health Service Reports New Mpox Case in Greater Accra Region
The Ghana Health Service has confirmed a third Mpox case in the Greater Accra Region, affirming that current investigations show no additional cases among contacts. The GHS has reassured the public of their monitoring and control strategies following the initial cases reported in August 2024 in the Western Region. This highlights the need for ongoing vigilance as Mpox poses significant health risks, with common symptoms being rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has officially reported another case of Mpox in the Greater Accra Region, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to three. Dr. Dennis Laryea, the Deputy Director of Public Health at GHS responsible for Disease Surveillance, confirmed that this latest case was identified last week but assured that no additional cases had been found among contacts, as investigations continue. GHS has taken proactive measures to monitor the situation and manage the potential spread of the virus. Individuals who have come into contact with the newly confirmed case are currently under close observation to ensure public safety. The initial Mpox case in Ghana emerged in August 2024 in the Western Region, where subsequent contact tracing revealed 25 associated individuals. The second case occurred when the first patient’s mother also tested positive. In light of these developments, the GHS remains vigilant in its efforts to curtail the outbreak, emphasizing the importance of disease control. The World Health Organization describes Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, as a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. Symptoms typically manifest as a rash or mucosal lesions lasting 2 to 4 weeks, often accompanied by fever, aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, highlighting the disease’s significant health risks to the population.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus. Historically, it has posed a substantial health threat internationally, particularly during outbreaks. The recent global outbreak from 2022 to 2023 was identified as clade IIb, prompting health agencies worldwide to adopt measures to mitigate the risk of transmission. Ghana’s initial case, reported in August 2024, marked the beginning of its monitoring efforts, leading to subsequent identification of related cases.
In conclusion, the confirmation of a new Mpox case in the Greater Accra Region underscores the ongoing health concerns associated with the virus in Ghana. While the GHS has implemented monitoring strategies to prevent further transmission, public awareness remains critical. As the situation evolves, continued vigilance and adherence to health protocols will be paramount to managing the outbreak effectively.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
