Ghana Health Service Confirms 3 Cases of Monkeypox

Three cases of Mpox (Monkeypox) have been confirmed in Ghana this year. This was reported as of May 15, 2025.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) stated that there have been no deaths. All confirmed cases were mild.

The GHS urges the public to practice good hand hygiene. They recommend avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms like a rash. Suspected cases should be reported to the nearest health facility immediately.

According to the GHS Mpox dashboard, the first case was confirmed in February. The two most recent cases were identified at health facilities earlier this month and are unrelated.

The first case involved a 32-year-old male on antiretroviral therapy. He had a week-long history of fever, chills, and skin lesions on his trunk and gluteal areas.

The second case involved a 34-year-old male with a two-week history of a generalized rash that did not improve with self-medication.

In Accra last Thursday, GHS Director-General Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea reassured the public. He said there is no cause for alarm as measures are in place to manage the situation.

He emphasized that Ghana's public health system is vigilant. Established protocols for detecting and managing infectious diseases are being followed closely.

Prof. Akoriyea also mentioned that contact tracing efforts have begun. This will help identify individuals who may have come into contact with confirmed cases for monitoring and management.

Surveillance has increased across all health facilities nationwide. This ensures any further suspected cases are quickly identified and investigated.

"We are committed to protecting everyone's health," he said. "We have the capacity to manage this situation and prevent a larger outbreak."

Mpox is a viral illness similar to smallpox. It typically causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes.

The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person's skin or bodily fluids, including sexual contact.

Symptoms may include fever, rash or lesions, tiredness, headaches, muscle pain, back pain, and swollen glands.

Across Africa, Mpox remains a major concern. As of March 2025, over 24,200 cases and around 260 deaths were recorded in 22 countries.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been hardest hit by this disease.