Ghana Reports First Mpox Fatality Amid Rising Cases

Ghana has confirmed its first death linked to Mpox, signaling a concerning escalation in the country's outbreak. Over the past week, 23 new Mpox cases have been identified, raising the total number of infections since the virus was first detected in June 2022 to 257. This marks the highest weekly increase since the outbreak's onset and the inaugural fatality recorded in Ghana. Health authorities, including Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, assured the public that the situation remains under control, emphasizing the importance of early detection and responsible behavior in curbing the spread.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease related to smallpox that manifests with fever, body aches, and distinctive skin lesions. It can be fatal, especially if untreated. The virus primarily spreads through close physical contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.

In response to the outbreak, the Ghanaian government is preparing to distribute vaccines from the World Health Organization, with the aim of protecting vulnerable populations. Franklyn Asiedu-Bekoe, a health official, stated that at-risk groups have been identified and vaccination efforts will commence promptly once doses arrive.

The Mpox outbreak in Ghana reflects a broader regional trend across West Africa, where health officials are battling to contain the disease. Countries like Sierra Leone, which has reported approximately 3,350 cases and 16 deaths from January to May, alongside ongoing cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Burundi, demonstrate the widespread challenge.

According to the World Health Organization, Africa has reported over 47,000 confirmed Mpox cases and 221 deaths across the continent since last year, with more than 27,000 cases recorded this year alone. WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has highlighted the ongoing status of Mpox as a global health emergency amid rising regional cases.