Health

GHS Confirms Over 1,000 Mpox Cases in Ghana as Surveillance Intensifies

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed four new cases of Mpox, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 1,062 as of April 11, 2026.

Health authorities report that no new hospital admissions have been recorded, while the death toll remains at eight.

Ongoing surveillance nationwide

The GHS says monitoring efforts are ongoing across all 16 regions, with surveillance teams actively tracking cases to contain the spread of the disease.

Although current infections appear to be less severe, officials are urging the public not to become complacent.

What is Mpox?

Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, spreads mainly through:

Close physical contact

Contact with body fluids or skin lesions

Respiratory droplets

Contaminated surfaces

Common symptoms include:

Fever

Swollen lymph nodes

Painful skin rash (which may leave scars)

Preventive measures

The GHS is advising Ghanaians to:

Avoid close contact with individuals showing unusual rashes

Practice frequent handwashing and use of sanitizers

Wear masks where necessary

Seek early medical care if symptoms appear

Regional and global context

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has reported over 17,000 suspected cases and 517 deaths across Africa in 2024, highlighting the broader public health concern.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has renewed alerts and continues to support vaccination efforts for high-risk populations.

Health authorities emphasize that vigilance, early detection, and adherence to safety protocols remain critical in controlling the spread of Mpox.

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