By: Jones Anlimah
The Volta Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service has confirmed two cases of Mpox in the region. The cases were reported in the Ketu North and Ho Municipalities, involving a 35-year-old male and a 33-year-old female. According to the Directorate, both patients are currently doing well.
In response, the affected District Health Directorates, with support from the Regional Health Directorate, have intensified efforts to prevent the spread of the disease. All districts, health facilities, and port health units across the region have been instructed to enhance surveillance and risk communication regarding Mpox.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, typically presents with a skin rash or mucosal lesions lasting two to four weeks, and is often accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
The Directorate provided surveillance case definitions to guide health professionals. A suspected case includes either:
i) a person who has been in contact with a probable or confirmed Mpox case within 21 days before symptom onset and displays symptoms such as fever above 38.5°C, headache, muscle pain, back pain, profound weakness, or fatigue;
or
ii) a person with an unexplained acute skin rash, mucosal lesions, or swollen lymph nodes. These lesions may appear in the ano-genital area or elsewhere on the body, and mucosal lesions may be oral, conjunctival, or genital.
Health authorities are urging the public and health workers to remain vigilant and report suspected cases promptly to prevent further transmission.
For further information, the public can contact the Volta Regional Health Directorate via 0342296829 or email volta.rhd@ghs.gov.gh.
