The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed a case of monkeypox in the Bia West District of the Western North Region. This development has sparked concerns about the potential spread of the virus.
The confirmed case involves a 15-year-old male who sought medical attention at a district government hospital on September 25, 2024. The patient presented with symptoms including a three-day history of fever, general body pains, a sore throat, and a rash.
The rash initially appeared on the patient’s palms and face, prompting health officials to investigate further. Following laboratory tests, the GHS confirmed the presence of the monkeypox virus.
In addition to the confirmed case, the GHS has reported 230 suspected cases across 88 districts in the country. These suspected cases are currently under investigation.
As part of the contact tracing efforts, 25 individuals who came into contact with the patient have been identified and are being closely monitored. Health officials are working to prevent potential transmission.
Monkeypox, also known as mpox, is a rare infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). The virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family.
Symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain, and a painful rash. Most people recover fully, but some cases can be severe, particularly among vulnerable populations.
There are two distinct clades of the monkeypox virus: Clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and Clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb). The current global outbreak, which started in 2022, is attributed to Clade IIb.
The GHS is conducting an initial public health investigation into the confirmed case and will notify the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of its ongoing response efforts.
To prevent the spread of mpox, the public is advised to remain vigilant and follow health guidelines, including avoiding contact with infected animals or people, practicing good personal hygiene, and getting vaccinated if exposed or at high risk.
