Ghana Health Service confirms 2 Mpox cases in Accra

Health authorities have confirmed two new cases of Mpox in Accra.

These cases are in the Greater Accra Region.

In response, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has acted quickly.

They directed all regional health directors to reactivate emergency operations centres.

Health officials urge increased surveillance and risk communication efforts nationwide.

These new cases are the first confirmed infections this year.

The two cases are unrelated and were found at a health facility.

Contact tracing is underway to prevent further spread of the virus.

The patients are being closely monitored by health officials.

Ghana’s Mpox outbreak began on June 8, 2022, with five initial cases.

By November 2023, there were a total of 34 confirmed cases.

Before this outbreak, Mpox was not known to be endemic in Ghana.

A circular from the GHS Director-General called for improved detection strategies.

Mpox is a viral illness similar to smallpox.

It causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes among other symptoms.

The virus spreads through direct contact with infected skin or fluids.

Symptoms include fever, rash or lesions, tiredness, headaches, and muscle pain.

Across Africa, Mpox remains a major concern for health authorities.

As of March 2025, over 24,200 cases and around 260 deaths have been reported in 22 countries.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been most affected by this outbreak.