Ghana confirms first case of MPOX

Ghana has confirmed its first case of Monkey Pox (Mpox) in the Western North Region.The Ghana Health Service (GHS) MPOX Disease Situational Report (SITREP) on October 2 indicates that on the 1st of October 2024, the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) confirmed a case of Mpox following laboratory testing.The MPOX disease was confirmed in a 15-year-old male who reported at a local district government hospital on 25th September 2024 with a 3-day history of fever, general body pains, sore throat and rash which was initially in the palm and face but spread to the trunk and extremities.The SITREP said there was no history of travel over the past 21 days or history of sexual exposure to a potentially infectious person.it said the case was initially admitted but was later discharged and currently stable at home.it said the Western North Regional Health Directorate and the Bia West district had activated public health emergency management structures and initiated response measures.As of now , a total of 15 facilities and 10 community contacts have been identified and are being followed up.The SITREP indicated that as of September 29, 2024, a total of 230 suspected cases of Monkeypox have been reported by 88 districts in all the 16 regions.The Greater Accra Region recorded the most suspected cases 87, followed by Central Region 26, Ashanti and Volta Region 20 each.It said no death has been reported among suspected or confirmed cases so far.The SITREP said an initial public health investigation into the confirmed case is being carried out.It said a notification has been sent to the WHO as per the International Health Regulation (IHR) requirements.It said Ghana is confronted with limited funding to support sustained laboratory testing and outbreak investigations.The SITREP added that there was limited funding to support sample transportation, especially from hard-to-reach areas such as the affected district.It called for social support for suspected and confirmed cases who wo uld need community isolation.Source: Ghana News Agency