Ghana records first case of MPOX
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported the country’s first case of MPOX in a 15-year-old male from the Western North region.
The Service’s’ Disease Situational Report (SITREP) dated October 2, 2024, indicates that that National Public Health and Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) confirmed the case on October 1, 2024, following laboratory testing.
The patient was presented at a district government hospital on September 25, 2024, with a three-day history of fever, body aches, sore throat, and a rash that initially appeared on the palms and face before spreading to the trunk and extremities.
According to the SITREP, there was no history of travel in the past 21 days, nor any known exposure to a potentially infectious person.
The report said the case was first admitted but since been discharged and was stable at home.
It also noted that the Western North Regional Health Directorate and the Bia West district had activated public health emergency management protocols and initiated response measures.
Currently, 15 facilities and 10 community contacts have been identified and are under follow-up.
The report indicated that as of September 29, 2024, there had been 230 suspected cases of Monkeypox reported across 88 districts in all 16 regions.
The Greater Accra Region has recorded the highest number of suspected cases, totaling 87, followed by the Central Region with 26 cases, and both the Ashanti and Volta Regions with 20 cases each.
The report also stated that there have been no reported deaths among suspected or confirmed cases so far.
It noted also that an initial public health investigation was being conducted regarding the confirmed case.
The report said notifications have been sent to the WHO in accordance with the International Health Regulation (IHR) requirements.
It highlighted that Ghana is facing challenges due to limited funding, which affects its ability to sustain laboratory testing and conduct thorough outbreak investigations.
The report emphasised that there was limited funding available for sample transportation, particularly from hard-to-reach areas like the affected district.
It also called for social support for suspected and confirmed cases that require community isolation.
GNA
