By Yussif Ibrahim
Kumasi, Dec 12, GNA- The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has urged the public to strictly adhere to Mpox safety protocols to help prevent the spread of the disease during heightened social activities during Christmas festive period.
The Directorate warned that Ghana continued to record cases of the viral illness, which spreads through close contact with infected persons, animals, or contaminated materials.
The increased gatherings associated with the yuletide, it cautioned, could create opportunities for transmission if preventive measures were ignored.
Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Regional Director of Health Service, told the Ghana News Agency that, maintaining proper hand hygiene remained one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infection.
He advised the public to avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms such as rashes or lesions and to refrain from sharing personal items.
He added that the Directorate was intensifying risk communication and community engagement efforts across all 43 districts to boost public awareness.
According to the latest Ghana Health Service (GHS) situation report, Ghana has recorded 4,106 cumulative suspected Mpox cases, of which 914 were confirmed in 2025.
Out of 5,335 identified contacts, 4,745 have completed the mandatory 21-day monitoring period.
As of December 2, six new infections comprising three males and three females aged between 16 and 32 had been confirmed.
The cases were reported from the Western (3), Greater Accra (1), Eastern (1) and Upper West (1) Regions, with 410 new contacts identified.
With these developments, the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stresses that Ghana is “not out of the woods” regarding Mpox and is calling for strict adherence to all recommended safety protocols throughout the festive season.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Christian Akorlie