The Deputy Director of Surveillance at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Dennis Odai Laryea, has confirmed that the number of Monkeypox cases in Ghana has risen to eight as of yesterday.
In an interview on ChannelOne, Dr. Laryea disclosed that over 100 suspected cases have been investigated across all 16 regions of the country. However, confirmed cases have been recorded only in the Greater Accra and Western Regions, with each region accounting for four cases. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to eight.
“Currently, we have eight confirmed cases. Cumulatively, for this year, we have nine. We had one case earlier in the year, which was quickly contained. This current outbreak, as of yesterday, has resulted in eight confirmed cases across two regions: Greater Accra and Western, with four cases recorded in each region,” he said.
Earlier, on May 18, 2024, the Ghana Health Service confirmed a total of four cases, up from the initial two, but the number has since doubled.
Mpox is a viral disease that spreads through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials. Common symptoms include rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
The Ghana Health Service strongly advises the public to practice regular hand hygiene, avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms such as rashes, and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility immediately.