Health officials in Ghana are racing against time to contain a fresh outbreak of Mpox, a rare but potentially serious viral disease.
As of May 30, 2025, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed over 19 recorded cases since it broke out two weeks ago.
The most affected regions include Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, and Western.
This isn’t Ghana’s first encounter with Mpox. The country reported its first confirmed outbreak in June 2022, and since then, sporadic cases have appeared.
However, the current wave is the largest yet, prompting urgent calls for vigilance.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
The Mpox virus is a member of the orthopoxvirus family, which also includes the virus that causes smallpox.
While the disease was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys used for research, the first human case was recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970.
Over the decades, Mpox has remained endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, often spreading through close contact with infected animals, particularly rodents.
How It Spreads
Mpox is primarily spread through direct contact with the rash, body fluids, or respiratory droplets of an infected person.
It can also spread through contaminated clothing, bedding, and surfaces. Although not as contagious as COVID-19, close personal contact significantly increases the risk of transmission.
Short Signs and Symptoms of Mpox:• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Rash (face, hands, feet, genitals)
• Lesions that turn into scabs
Symptoms last 2–4 weeks. Seek medical help if you notice these signs.
What’s Fueling the Ghana Outbreak?
According to health officials, the current outbreak may be fueled by low awareness, delayed reporting, and close human contact in urban areas. The absence of a mass vaccination program also leaves many Ghanaians vulnerable.
“We are working to strengthen surveillance and educate the public on preventive measures. Timely diagnosis and isolation are key to stopping the spread,” said Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at GHS.
How to Protect Yourself
There is currently no specific treatment for Mpox, but most people recover with supportive care.
Here’s how you can reduce your risk:
• Avoid close contact with anyone showing rashes or lesions
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
• Don’t share bedding, towels, or personal items
• Use face masks in crowded settings if advised
• Report symptoms early to the nearest health facility
Way forward for Ghana
Vaccines developed for smallpox are effective against Mpox and are being considered for high-risk populations such as healthcare workers and close contacts of confirmed cases.
Ghana’s health authorities are ramping up education campaigns, particularly in schools and markets, and are calling on the media to help disseminate accurate information.
Though the numbers are rising, experts say this outbreak can be contained with the right public response.
For now, the message is simple: be alert, don’t panic, and report symptoms early.