Two new cases of Mpox have been confirmed in Accra, within the Greater Accra Region. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has asked all Regional Health Directors to reactivate emergency operations. They are also to improve surveillance, risk communication, and case management.
Since the start of the outbreak in June 2022, Ghana has confirmed a total of 34 Mpox cases as of November 2024. These two new cases are the first confirmed in 2025. Health officials say the two cases are not related. Both were detected at health facilities and are currently being monitored and that contact tracing is ongoing to stop the spread. In a message to all regions, the Director-General of the GHS ordered the emergency response systems to be fully activated again.
Mpox is a viral disease similar to smallpox. It causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a skin rash. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected skin or body fluids, including sexual contact. Common symptoms include: Rash or mouth sores, Fever, Headache, Muscle and back pain, Fatigue and Swollen lymph nodes.
As of March 2025, Africa has reported over 24,200 Mpox cases and around 260 deaths in 22 countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been the hardest hit.
Health experts are urging the public to report symptoms early and avoid close contact with infected persons.