Accra: Ms. Linda Adjapong, Tema Metro Disease Control Officer, has issued a warning to pregnant women, advising them to take stringent precautions to prevent contracting mpox due to its potential health risks for both mother and child.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ms. Adjapong highlighted that while mpox is generally less fatal compared to smallpox, it can lead to severe complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth, stillbirth, and even miscarriage. Speaking at a sensitisation exercise organised by the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate, she underscored the heightened danger the disease poses to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Pregnant women are particularly susceptible because their immune systems are naturally suppressed to support the developing fetus, making it easier for the virus to spread and cause significant health complications. Ms. Adjapong advised women to avoid crowded places, maintain good hygiene, ensure family members practice proper hygiene, attend regular antenatal check-ups, and report any unusual symptoms to healthcare providers.
She elaborated on the risk of the virus crossing the placenta if a pregnant woman becomes infected, potentially resulting in preterm delivery or pregnancy loss. Symptoms of mpox typically start with fever, headaches, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rapidly spreading rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters. These blisters eventually crust over and fall off, and in some cases, may appear on the genitals, causing discomfort.
Ms. Adjapong stressed the necessity of early detection and isolation, urging those experiencing symptoms, particularly rashes, to seek medical attention promptly. She outlined preventive measures such as avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals, frequent handwashing with soap, using hand sanitizers and face masks, and steering clear of handling wild animals that could carry the virus.
Emphasising that mpox is preventable, the disease control officer called for collective responsibility in combating the virus and urged the public, especially pregnant women, to remain informed and vigilant.
