Mpox patient
A Turning Point in the Outbreak
Ghana has officially confirmed its first-ever death resulting from Mpox, marking a significant escalation in what had been a contained situation to date. In the week leading up to July 22, a total of 23 new cases were recorded, raising the total number of confirmed infections to 257 since mid‑2022
Key Facts at a Glance
| Metric | Latest Figures |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Mpox Cases | 257 (as of July 22, 2025) |
| New Confirmed Cases | 23 in the week before July 22 |
| Mpox-Related Deaths | 1 (first ever in Ghana) |
| At-Risk Regions Affected | 14 of 16 regions (only Savannah and Oti remain unaffected) |
Health experts note this as the highest weekly case surge so far, coinciding with the first death in the country’s Mpox outbreak
What Health Officials Are Saying
Deputy Director of Disease Surveillance at GHS, Dr. Dennis Odai Laryea, confirmed the fatality and stated that 145 individuals have recovered while 89 remain isolated at home
Meanwhile, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh reassured the nation that "the situation is under control," stressing that early detection and responsible behavior are vital to containment efforts
Symptoms, Transmission & Vulnerable Populations
Mpox—previously known as monkeypox is an orthopoxvirus presenting with:
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Fever, headache, muscle aches
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Swollen lymph nodes
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A characteristic rash progressing through blisters and crusting stages
Transmission occurs via close physical contact, including direct skin-to-skin contact, exposure to lesions or body fluids, and contact with contaminated personal items (clothing, bedding)
Higher risk groups include:
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Children
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Pregnant women
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Individuals with immunocompromised conditions
Government Response & Preparedness
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Vaccines Expected Soon: Ghana is set to receive doses from the World Health Organization, with at-risk groups already identified and ready for vaccination as soon as supplies arrive
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Public Awareness Campaigns: Efforts are underway to alert citizens about symptoms and proper hygiene practices, with emphasis on early medical consultation
Regional health directorates have intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and enforcement of infection prevention measures across affected districts, particularly in Greater Accra, Western, and Ashanti regions
Why This Moment Matters
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This is the first Mpox-related death in Ghana’s outbreak history—signaling a potential shift in severity.
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The jump in cases represents a steeper transmission curve, necessitating escalated response.
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Ghana’s outbreak mirrors broader trends in West Africa, where thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths are pushing WHO and Africa CDC to maintain heightened alerts.
Public Health Advice: What You Can Do
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Avoid close physical contact with anyone showing Mpox symptoms (rash, fever, body aches).
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Wash hands regularly, especially after contact with communal surfaces or suspected cases.
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Report any suspected symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility.
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Stay informed through verified sources like Ghana Health Service or WHO—not social media rumors.
Final Word
Ghana’s confirmation of its first Mpox fatality marks a critical juncture in the outbreak. While health officials emphasize that the situation remains under control, this development underscores the importance of swift testing, transparent communication, and community cooperation. With vaccines on the way and increased surveillance across regions, authorities are striving to maintain control—but public awareness and vigilance remain essential.
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