By Linda Naa Deide Aryeetey
Accra, June 3, GNA – The Ghana Health Service（GHS) has confirmed 26 new Mpox cases, bringing the total case count to 45.
In an update, the GHS said two people are currently on admission, with no deaths recorded.
It added that the Service was vigilant across all 16 regions and continued to monitor infections through its surveillance system.
Regional health directorates have activated public health measures, including contact tracing, to prevent further spread.
The GHS is also working with the Ministry of Health to implement containment strategies.
Prof Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director General of the GHS, earlier reassured the public that Ghana’s health system remains vigilant, with established protocols in place for detecting, managing, and controlling infectious diseases.
The GHS urged the public to maintain hygiene, avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.
It stated that the government is committed to protecting public health, saying,” We have the capacity and expertise to manage this situation and prevent a larger outbreak.”
Mpox is a viral disease transmitted through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated material.
Symptoms include rash, fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
The GHS has advised frequent handwashing with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially before or after touching sores.
It recommends wearing masks, covering lesions when around others, keeping skin dry and uncovered, avoiding shared items, disinfecting shared spaces, and using saltwater rinses for mouth sores.
In August last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to a new variant spreading in Africa.
Mpox cases have since been reported in over 13 African countries.
Last year, Africa recorded over 17,000 suspected Mpox cases and 517 deaths, according to the Africa CDC.
The WHO has since approved the first Mpox vaccine to increase access for millions at risk, particularly in Africa, where the latest outbreak has infected more than 20,000 people.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey