A new case of MPOX has been reported in  Greater Accra Region, raising the country’s recent case count to three, according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

The latest case was recorded last week, with health officials identifying and monitoring contacts associated with the patient, Dr Dennis Laryea, Deputy Director of Public Health in charge of Disease Surveillance at GHS, told 3news. Ghana’s initial case was recorded in August in the Western Region, which led to 25 identified contacts and two subsequent infections, including the mother of the first patient.

“We haven’t identified any new case among the contacts, but we’re monitoring closely to see if anyone develops symptoms,” Dr Laryea said, emphasising that Ghana’s health surveillance system remains on high alert. He explained that while MPOX cases have gained attention recently, the health authorities routinely monitor for numerous infectious diseases, including cholera, yellow fever, and measles.

In light of the new case, health officials are working with district teams to ensure all contacts are being tracked. “We’re double-checking to ensure that there aren’t others we haven’t identified,” Dr Laryea added.

He also advised the public to avoid close contact with individuals displaying any type of rash and urged early reporting to health facilities if symptoms arise. “MPOX spreads through close contact, including skin-to-skin interactions or contact with contaminated clothing or bedding,” he noted. Though transmission through sexual contact is possible, person-to-person physical contact remains the primary mode of transmission, he added.

Dr Laryea explained that MPOX rashes can resemble those from other illnesses such as measles and chickenpox, making it challenging for the public to distinguish between them. “If anyone develops a rash, it’s vital to visit a health facility for an accurate diagnosis and to implement necessary precautions,” he said.

Following the World Health Organization’s declaration of MPOX as a public health emergency in Africa earlier this year, over 17,000 cases have been confirmed across the continent, with the Democratic Republic of Congo accounting for the majority.

Elsewhere, the UK reported its first case on 30 October, coinciding with the identification of a new strain, clade 1b, which is thought to spread mainly through sexual contact.

Source:TheDotNews