Mpox Cases in Ghana Near 500 as Authorities Urge Vigilance

The Mpox outbreak in Ghana continues to spread, with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirming 27 new cases, bringing the country’s total infections to 494 as of September 1, 2025.

So far, Ghana has recorded one death linked to the virus since the outbreak began. Currently, one patient remains on admission, while the rest are being monitored through community and home-based care.

Mpox, a viral disease previously called Monkeypox, causes fever, body pain, and a characteristic skin rash. It spreads mainly through close physical contact with infected individuals, including direct skin-to-skin contact or exposure to bodily fluids.

Health officials continue to caution that children, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing conditions face higher risks of severe illness.

The GHS is urging the public to:

• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms such as fever or skin rashes.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Report early to the nearest health facility if symptoms appear.

While the overall death toll remains low, the rising case numbers highlight the urgent need for strict personal protection and community vigilance to curb further spread.

How Does Mpox Spread?

Mpox (previously called Monkeypox) can spread from animals to people and from person to person. Knowing how it passes on is the first step to protecting yourself and others.

From Animals to Humans

• Direct contact: Touching the blood, body fluids, or skin sores of infected animals.
• Undercooked meat: Eating meat from infected animals that hasn’t been properly cooked.
• Bites and scratches: Getting bitten or scratched by an infected animal, such as a monkey, rat, or squirrel.

From Humans to Humans

• Face-to-face contact: Prolonged close contact allows the virus to spread through respiratory droplets.
• Skin-to-skin contact: Touching rashes, sores, or body fluids of an infected person.
• Contaminated items: Sharing bedding, clothing, or towels that have been in contact with infectious sores.
• Intimate contact: While Mpox is not officially classified as an STI, close and intimate physical contact can spread the virus.

Other Ways to Get Infected
The virus can also enter the body through broken skin, or through the eyes, nose, or mouth even if there are no visible cuts or wounds.

Do You Have Mpox? Know the Symptoms

Mpox doesn’t appear all at once. It usually develops in stages, starting with flu-like symptoms before the rash shows up. Common signs include:

• Fever and chills
• Headaches and muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fatigue and general body weakness
• A skin rash that begins as flat spots, then turns into raised bumps, blisters, and later scabs

The rash often starts on the face, hands, or feet and then spreads to other parts of the body.

What to Do: If you notice these symptoms, especially the rash, report immediately to the nearest health facility. Early treatment and isolation can prevent further spread and protect your loved ones.