By Issah Olegor
The public health system is once again on high alert following the confirmation of seven additional Mpox cases, bringing the country’s total caseload to 170 as of July 6, 2025.
This marks a continued upward trend in infections after 30 new cases were reported just a week earlier, on June 30
The Ghana Health Service (GHS), which issued the latest update, has described the situation as “under control,” though the steady increase in cases has prompted renewed efforts to bolster public awareness and vigilance.
Mpox — formerly known as monkeypox — is a viral zoonotic disease that spreads primarily through close physical contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin contact, bodily fluids, and contaminated materials.
While often mild in most individuals, the disease can lead to complications, particularly for people with weakened immune systems or underlying conditions.
Background: Ghana’s Mpox Surveillance Journey
Ghana recorded its first Mpox case in June 2022 during a broader global outbreak that saw the virus spread to non-endemic countries.
Since then, the GHS has instituted protocols for early detection, case isolation, contact tracing, and community education.
After an initial spike in cases in late 2022, the numbers gradually declined in 2023 and 2024 due to enhanced surveillance and public health campaigns.
However, 2025 has seen a resurgence, with localized clusters of infections in both urban and peri-urban communities.
While no fatalities or hospitalisations have been recorded in the recent surge, health authorities are treating the situation with caution given the disease’s infectious nature.
GHS Reinforces Preventive Measures
In response to the recent uptick, the GHS is intensifying its public health messaging and encouraging all Ghanaians to take personal precautions.
“We are calling on the public to report early symptoms, avoid contact with persons showing signs of skin rash, and maintain proper hand hygiene,” a statement from the GHS read.
Common symptoms of Mpox include fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and the signature pustular rash.
The GHS has emphasized that early diagnosis and self-isolation remain critical in stopping further community transmission.
To aid containment efforts, district health directorates have been tasked to ramp up education in markets, transport terminals, schools, and churches — locations identified as high-risk due to human density and interaction.
No Cause for Panic, But Vigilance Needed
Despite the increase, officials insist the outbreak does not warrant panic. “Our teams are well-prepared, and our response systems remain robust.
But we need the cooperation of the public,” said Dr. Franklin Asare, an infectious disease specialist with the GHS.
Health workers are being retrained on Mpox case management and frontline hospitals have been stocked with testing kits and personal protective equipment.
Additionally, contact tracing teams are on the ground in hotspots to track and contain the spread swiftly.
