GHS confirms first case of Monkeypox in Western North Region
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed the first case of monkeypox in the Western North Region. The diagnosis was verified by the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) on October 1, 2024, after laboratory tests on a suspected case reported from the region.
The patient, a 15-year-old male, sought medical care at a district government hospital on September 25, 2024, after presenting with symptoms including fever, general body pains, a sore throat, and a rash.
Initially, the rash appeared on his palms and face, later spreading to his trunk and extremities. Health officials indicated that the boy had no recent travel history or known sexual exposure to an infectious person.
The patient, who was initially admitted to the hospital, has since been discharged and is now in stable condition at home.
In response, health authorities in the Western North Regional Health Directorate and Bia West District have activated public health emergency management protocols and launched an urgent response to contain the situation.
As part of these efforts, 15 healthcare workers and 10 community members who were in contact with the patient have been identified and are under close monitoring.
The GHS has outlined further steps to control the outbreak, including conducting a thorough investigation and continuing community education to raise awareness.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any symptoms of monkeypox, such as fever, body aches, and rashes, to local health authorities for timely intervention.
“On the 1st of October 2024, the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) confirmed a case of Mpox following laboratory testing of a suspected case from the Western North Region.
“The case is about a 15-year-old male who reported at a district government hospital on 25th September 2024 with a 3-day history of fever, general body pains, sore throat and rash which was initially in the palm and face but spread to the trunk and extremities.
“There was no history of travel over the past 21 days or history of sexual exposure to a potentially infectious person. The case was initially admitted but was later discharged and is currently stable at home.
“The Western North Regional Health Directorate and the Bia West district have activated public health emergency management structures and initiated response measures. A total of 15 facility and 10 community contacts have been identified and are being followed up.”
Source Channel1news
Felix is a tech reviewer, a teacher, blogger and the CEO of Kofiadutv. He is a graduate of Foso College of Education and Currently at University of Education, Winneba.
