BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The health Authorities have confirmed 18 new cases of Mpox as of August 7, 2025, bringing the cumulative national tally to 346 since the outbreak.
The latest figures highlight the continued spread of the disease despite ongoing public health campaigns urging vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.
Mpox, a viral disease similar to smallpox but generally less severe, is transmitted primarily through close contact with an infected person.
According to health experts, physical contact with skin lesions, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials such as bedding and clothing can facilitate its spread.
Certain animals, including rodents and primates, can also carry the virus.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reiterated that prevention remains the most effective measure against the disease.
Citizens are advised to avoid close contact with individuals displaying symptoms such as rashes, fever, or swollen lymph nodes, and to practice good hand hygiene by washing with soap under running water.
Caregivers for infected persons are also encouraged to wear protective masks.
Officials have further cautioned against handling animals that could potentially harbour the virus.
They stress that early medical attention is key to reducing the risk of complications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The first confirmed Mpox case in Ghana was recorded in 2022, part of a wider global surge that saw the disease reported in countries previously considered non-endemic. Since then, sporadic cases have been recorded, with periodic spikes prompting heightened surveillance and community sensitization efforts.
Health authorities have assured the public that measures, including contact tracing and community education, are being intensified to curb the spread.
However, they warn that public compliance with preventive guidelines is crucial if Ghana is to avoid a larger outbreak in the coming months.
