Ghana has recorded its first death caused by Mpox, marking a troubling milestone in the country’s ongoing health challenge.
According to the Ministry of Health, 23 new infections were reported in just the past week — bringing the total number of cases to 257 since the virus was first discovered in the country in June 2022.
This is the highest weekly case increase Ghana has seen so far, and sadly, the first fatality linked to the virus.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has reassured the public that the situation is being closely monitored.
He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and responsible health practices like avoiding close contact with infected individuals to stop the virus from spreading further.
Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral infection related to smallpox.
It causes symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and noticeable skin rashes or lesions.
The virus spreads through direct physical contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated clothing or surfaces.
Though it is usually not fatal, severe cases can lead to death — especially among vulnerable individuals.
To help curb the outbreak, Ghana’s public health agency is expecting to receive vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO) this week.
Franklyn Asiedu-Bekoe, a director at the agency, stated that certain high-risk groups have already been identified.
Vaccination efforts will begin immediately once the vaccine doses arrive in the country.
The outbreak in Ghana is part of a much larger health crisis sweeping through West Africa.
Sierra Leone, for example, reported 3,350 Mpox cases and 16 deaths between January and late May 2025.
Other countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Burundi have also recorded thousands of cases this year.
This growing trend has raised alarm among health authorities and regional leaders.
According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), more than 47,000 confirmed Mpox cases have been recorded across the African continent since January 2024.
Out of these, at least 27,000 infections occurred in 2025 alone, along with 221 reported deaths.
Given the rapid spread of the disease, the World Health Organization has declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the announcement last month, urging countries to strengthen their response and improve surveillance, testing, and vaccination efforts.
The rise in Mpox cases across Ghana and other parts of Africa highlights the urgent need for increased awareness, quick response, and public cooperation.
With vaccines on the way and international support from WHO, health officials are hopeful that the outbreak can be contained.
However, public health experts stress that prevention and early treatment remain key in stopping the spread of this virus.
