The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed 10 new cases of Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, bringing the country’s total to 19 in the latest outbreak.

Health officials report that five of the infected individuals are currently hospitalised and receiving treatment. No deaths have been recorded so far.

The GHS has assured the public that it is closely monitoring the situation and has ramped up surveillance, especially in regions where cases have been reported.

Efforts are also underway to increase public awareness and contain the spread.

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease closely related to smallpox. It typically presents with symptoms such as fever, intense headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, and a characteristic skin rash.

The virus is transmitted through close contact with infected lesions, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials like clothing and bedding.

The disease remains endemic in parts of Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Nigeria, where healthcare systems often face limitations in surveillance and public health outreach. The DRC continues to report the highest global burden of Mpox cases.

In response to growing concerns, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for increased investment in diagnostic tools, vaccine development, and community education across Africa.

The organisation has also stressed the importance of eliminating stigma around Mpox to ensure affected individuals are not deterred from seeking timely medical care.

GHS is urging the public to observe personal hygiene, report symptoms early, and avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting signs of the disease.