By Maxwell Awumah
Ho, May 28, GNA – Two cases of Mpox (Monkey pox) has been identified in the Volta region, according to the Health Directorate.
In a news release signed by Dr Emmanuel Atsu Dodor, Director of Health Services said the cases were confirmed in facilities in the Ketu North and Ho Municipalities, respectively.
It said the cases, which are unrelated involved a 35-year-old male and a 33-year-old female, who are currently undergoing treatment and doing well.
The affected District Health Directorates and the staff of the Regional Directorate are collaborating to halt any further spread of the disease with all Districts, health facilities and port health units in the region heightening surveillance and risk communication for Mpox.
It said common symptoms of Mpox (Monkey pox virus) are skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last 2-4 weeks be accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes and spreads through, touch, kissing or sex, animal hunting, skinning or cooking them.
The skin rash may include single or multiple lesions in the ano-genital region or elsewhere in the body. Mucosal lesions may include single or multiple oral, conjunctival, urethral, penile, vaginal, or anorectal lesions. Ano-rectal lesions can also manifest as anorectal inflammation (proctitis), pain and/or bleeding.
The Directorate cautioned and reminded all people residing in the region that they were reminded of the urgent need to protect themselves from the disease through preventive measures.
The release advised that in suspected and/or confirmed Mpox cases, direct physical contact should be avoided by ensuring strict isolation, the use of protective gowns, masks, gloves and safe disposal of contaminated materials and proper hand washing are rigidly required.
It indicated ready support for the districts that identified suspected Mpox cases by the Volta Regional Health Directorate’s Disease Surveillance Unit on a 24-hour standby.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba