The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has initiated contact tracing efforts to identify individuals who might have come into contact with the two confirmed cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) earlier reported in the Accra Metropolitan Area.

It said those contacts would be monitored for symptoms and provided with the appropriate care and guidance.

These formed part of the necessary public health measures the GHS was swiftly and effectively implementing to contain the spread of the virus after two such cases were confirmed in the country last Thursday

These were contained in a press release issued by the acting Director-General of the GHS, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, on May 15, announcing the confirmation of two cases of Mpox in Accra.

Mpox is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal or with material contaminated with the virus.

Symptoms typically include rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

Ghana recorded its first case of Mpox in June 2022 with five cases. Since the beginning of 2022, Ghana recorded 116 confirmed cases of Mpox with four confirmed deaths. By the latter part of that year, Ghana reported nine new confirmed cases, with no new deaths.

The release said the service was enhancing surveillance in health facilities and communities to ensure that any further suspected cases were identified and investigated promptly.

"The Ministry of Health and the service are also intensifying public awareness campaigns to educate the populace about Mpox, including its symptoms, modes of transmission, and preventive measures.

“The government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all citizens and residents," it addeid.

It assured the public that there was no cause for alarm, emphasising that it had the capacity and the expertise to manage the current situation and prevent a larger outbreak.

It maintained that Ghana's public health system remained vigilant and that established protocols for the detection, management and control of infectious diseases were being rigorously followed.

The GHS, however, urged the public to practise good hand hygiene, avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms such as rash, and immediately report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility.