Ghana has recorded its first death from Mpox since the outbreak began, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) announced in a statement issued on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

As of July 22, the country’s confirmed case count has climbed to 257, reflecting an increase of 23 infections in recent weeks. According to the GHS, no patients are currently hospitalized.

Mpox, a viral illness that spreads mainly through close personal contact, has prompted renewed health warnings. Authorities are urging the public to avoid contact with infected individuals and to adhere to strict hygiene practices such as regular handwashing.

The GHS indicated that people with weakened immune systems will be prioritized for vaccination once doses are available. Discussions with the World Health Organization (WHO) on vaccine acquisition are at an advanced stage, according to Dr. Franklyn Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at GHS.

As of July 10, Ghana had recorded 170 cases across more than 50 districts in 12 regions, with the highest concentration in the Western, Western North, and Greater Accra regions.

Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe said while the national caseload continues to rise, most infections have been mild:

“We are not seeing very ill patients, and that is reassuring. Our strategy remains early detection and active surveillance,” he stated.

So far, GHS has investigated over 1,200 suspected cases and traced 1,700 contacts, of which only six tested positive.

“This is a national outbreak,” Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe stressed. “Everyone has a role to play in protecting themselves and their communities.”

Source: TheDotNews