Ghana has confirmed its first death from Mpox, health authorities announced Sunday, as the country experiences a sharp spike in new infections. Twenty-three new cases were recorded in the past week alone, raising the total number of confirmed infections to 257 since the virus was first detected in June 2022. Officials say the latest surge marks the highest weekly increase so far, with concerns mounting over the virus’s spread and public awareness.
Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral disease related to smallpox that causes fever, body aches, and distinctive skin lesions. It spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials and can be deadly. “The key to limiting this outbreak is early detection and responsible behaviour,” said Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, a public health official, urging the public to remain vigilant. A shipment of vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO) is expected this week to aid in containment efforts.
“Our at-risk populations have already been identified, and we are ready to roll out vaccination as soon as doses arrive,” said Franklyn Asiedu-Bekoe of Ghana’s Health Service. The outbreak mirrors a broader regional trend, with thousands of cases reported across West Africa this year. Sierra Leone has recorded 3,350 cases and 16 deaths between January and May, while DR Congo, Uganda, and Burundi are also battling widespread transmission. According to Africa CDC, over 47,000 cases and 221 deaths have been reported across the continent since early 2024, prompting the WHO to maintain Mpox as a global health emergency.
