The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Health Directorate in the Western Region has urged the media to support the directorate in intensifying sensitisation and awareness creation about the Mpox disease among the public.

The Sekondi-Takoradi Metro Health Director, Dr Pius Mensah, who made the call, said the move had become necessary to deepen public education on the best practices to help break the chain of Mpox transmission within the Metropolis.

In an interview with journalists, he stated that Mpox cases are on the rise in Sekondi-Takoradi, with over 70 confirmed infections recorded so far.

The number of suspected cases also stood at 184, with confirmed cases reported in approximately 15 communities, particularly those in the coastal areas, he added.

According to Dr Mensah, three healthcare workers are among those who have contracted the disease and are undergoing treatment.

He said: “We are concerned over the worsening situation in the Metropolis, so we are imploring you, the media, to help carry the message out there to the people to take responsibility for their safety so that we can contain the spread of the Mpox disease here.”

Dr Mensah also appealed to the public to avoid behaviours that could lead to contracting or spreading the disease.

He added: “The situation requires collective vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines to curtail further spread of Mpox in the metropolis.”