Keta: Residents in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region have been urged to prioritise their health by practicing proper personal hygiene to prevent Monkeypox, also known as Mpox infection. This would also help prevent any other communicable diseases, affecting the well-being of individuals for effective living.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Dora Kugbonu, Public Health Promotion Officer at the Keta Municipal Health Directorate, stated in an interview that Monkeypox disease demands thorough public awareness and education. She emphasized the importance of avoiding contact with bush animals and their meat. Affected individuals are advised to report to the nearest health centre for treatment.
Madam Kugbonu explained that the primary infection of Mpox is from animals, possibly monkeys or other bush animals. The disease can be spread through contact with infected animals or products, while secondary infection occurs when an uninfected person comes in contact with an infected person or from mother to fetus. She advised against direct body contact with infected persons, sharing personal belongings, and consuming dead rodents.
She further emphasized the need for good personal hygiene, covering food and cooking utensils properly, and protecting oneself when handling meat to prevent Mpox. She detailed the symptoms of Mpox as fever, increased body temperature, severe headache, body ache, itchiness, and skin rash, urging individuals to seek early treatment if they experience any signs and symptoms.
Madam Kugbonu provided statistics indicating that as of May 26, the country had recorded 10 new cases of Mpox, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 19, with no deaths and five on admission. She noted that the Volta Regional Health Directorate confirmed two cases of Mpox in the Ketu North and Ho Municipalities involving a 35 and 33-year-old male and female, respectively.
The Ghana News Agency also reported that the Volta Regional Health Directorate instructed all district health facilities and port health units across the region to enhance surveillance, improve risk communication, and intensify efforts to educate the public and create awareness to prevent further spread of Mpox.
The Keta Municipal Health Directorate revealed that no cases of Mpox had been identified in the Keta municipality as of Thursday, May 29.
