By Emmanuel Gamson
Takoradi, June 20, GNA – Mr Kwadwo Okyere Apenteng, the Chief Pharmacist at the Western Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), says the Directorate has reactivated its public health emergency response team to intensify active surveillance to help curb the spread of Monkey pox (Mpox) disease in the region.
This is in response to the recent increase in the number of cases recorded last month.
As of June 17, 2025, the region had recorded 175 suspected and 36 confirmed Mpox cases, from nine out of the 14 districts in the region.
The data showed that Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality had the highest number of confirmed cases of 17.
It revealed that since the first confirmed case in May, there had been no deaths, with 12 recoveries, and no individual currently on admission.
Speaking at the Western Region Development Retreat, Mr Apenteng said: “As a directorate, we have reactivated the Public Health Emergency Response Team to coordinate daily activities, and we are receiving updates from districts, managing cases, and conducting active surveillance.”
So far, he said the team had identified 175 suspected cases and traced 246 contacts, “whom we are monitoring for potential infection.”
He added that the team had intensified its risk communication activities to enhance the sensitisation and education of the people on the signs, symptoms and preventive protocols to control the disease.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga/Christian Akorlie