Ghana Confirms First Mpox Case in Western North Region with 230 Suspected Cases Under Investigation
Ghana has confirmed its first case of Mpox in the Western North Region, with 230 more suspected cases across 88 districts in all 16 regions. According to health authorities, the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) confirmed the first case on October 1, 2024, after testing a sample from a 15-year-old male who reported to a district hospital on September 25, 2024.
The patient, who experienced a three-day history of fever, body aches, sore throat, and rash that began on the palms and face before spreading to the trunk and extremities, had no recent travel history or sexual exposure to an infected person. Though initially admitted to the hospital, he has since been discharged and remains stable at home.
Health authorities in the Western North Region and Bia West district have activated public health emergency management protocols, identifying 15 facility contacts and 10 community contacts, all of whom are being monitored. Response measures are also underway to mitigate further spread of the virus.
