On October 1, 2024, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirmed a case of Mpox in the Western North Region. The confirmation came after the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) conducted tests on a young male child who presented with symptoms including a rash, fever, and general body pain. The patient was promptly isolated in line with Mpox management protocols, and samples were sent to the NPHRL for further investigation.
The child has since been discharged and is in stable condition, but health authorities have identified 25 contacts associated with the case, all of whom are currently being monitored to prevent further spread. This case marks the first Mpox infection reported in Ghana for 2024, with previous cases recorded at 120 in 2022 and 8 in 2023.
Background on Mpox and Global Alerts
A month prior to this confirmed case, the Africa Centers for Disease Control (CDC) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to rising cases across Africa. Several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, South Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire, have also reported cases of Mpox in 2024.
Public Health Response and Containment Measures
In response to the Mpox case in Ghana, the GHS has already activated several public health measures aimed at controlling the outbreak and preventing further cases. These include:
- Issuing alerts to all regions and teaching hospitals across the country, following the declarations by Africa CDC and WHO in August 2024.
- Heightening surveillance efforts for Mpox to detect and contain any potential cases.
- Sensitizing healthcare workers on Mpox identification and management protocols.
- Mobilizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare staff to ensure safety during treatment.
- Implementing strict Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, including barrier nursing to reduce transmission risks.
- Contact tracing and management for individuals who may have been exposed to the confirmed case.
- Activating the National Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) for coordinated national response.
Additional Actions Planned by the GHS
The Ghana Health Service is taking further steps to enhance containment efforts, including:
- Activating Public Health Emergency Management Committees at the national, regional, and district levels to ensure swift coordination and response.
- Continuously sensitizing health staff on Mpox prevention, case management, and standard precautionary measures such as barrier nursing.
- Conducting detailed outbreak investigations to uncover the source and transmission of the virus.
- Further contact tracing efforts to identify any additional cases that may have gone undetected.
- Enhancing surveillance at all Points of Entry into the country and increasing public screening efforts.
- Implementing public education campaigns to raise awareness on Mpox symptoms, prevention, and the importance of early reporting.
Public Reassurance
Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, has assured the public that Ghana’s healthcare system is equipped to manage this Mpox outbreak. He urges the public to promptly report any symptoms of Mpox—such as rash, fever, or body pain—to the nearest health facility for timely investigation and treatment.
The GHS is committed to protecting public health and will continue to update the public on developments surrounding the outbreak and any further measures required for containment.
For more information, visit your nearest health facility or follow updates on Ghana Health Service platforms.
