Ghana records first Mpox death as cases jump

Ghana has confirmed its first death from Mpox, health officials said on Sunday, as infections continue to rise sharply.

The country logged 23 new cases in one week, pushing total infections to 257 since the virus first appeared in June 2022. This marks the highest weekly surge since the outbreak began.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh assured citizens the situation is under control.

“The key to limiting this outbreak is early detection and responsible behaviour,” he said.

Mpox, formerly called Monkeypox, is a viral infection linked to smallpox. It causes fever, body pain, and distinctive skin lesions. The disease spreads through close physical contact or contaminated objects and can be fatal.

Ghana’s public health agency expects vaccines from the World Health Organization this week.

“Our at-risk populations are identified. We’re ready to roll out vaccination once doses arrive,” said Franklyn Asiedu-Bekoe, a senior official.

The outbreak mirrors a wider crisis across West and Central Africa.

Sierra Leone: 3,350 cases, 16 deaths this year

DR Congo, Uganda, Burundi: thousands more infections

Africa CDC: 47,000 cases, 221 deaths across the continent since January 2024

WHO has maintained Mpox as an international health emergency, warning of sustained transmission in the region.