The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed 10 new cases of Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, bringing the country’s total case count to 19.

According to health officials, five of the confirmed cases are currently on admission and are receiving treatment. No fatalities have been recorded so far in the latest outbreak.

The GHS has assured the public that it is actively monitoring the situation and has intensified surveillance measures across the country, particularly in affected areas.

Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease related to smallpox, typically presents with symptoms such as fever, intense headache, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, and skin rashes. It is transmitted from person to person through close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials such as bedding.

In countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Nigeria, Mpox remains endemic, with intermittent surges in cases, often exacerbated by gaps in healthcare infrastructure, inadequate public health education, and challenges in rural surveillance.

The DRC, in particular, continues to report the highest number of cases globally, underscoring the need for a coordinated regional strategy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently called for increased investment in Mpox diagnostics, vaccine research, and public education campaigns across Africa, warning that the virus could spread further if not contained effectively.

WHO also advocates for de-stigmatising public discourse around Mpox to ensure that affected individuals are not marginalised or deterred from seeking care.