Ghana is facing a growing public health challenge as the Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirms 10 new Mpox cases, bringing the total number of infections to 19 as of May 26, 2025. While no fatalities have been reported, five patients remain hospitalized, raising concerns about further transmission.

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease that causes painful rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that it spreads primarily through close physical contact, including skin-to-skin touch, sexual activity, and respiratory droplets in prolonged face-to-face interactions.

A Brief History of Mpox in Ghana and Beyond

1. Ghana’s First Cases (2022–2023)

Ghana recorded its first Mpox cases in June 2022, detecting five infections linked to the West African clade (Clade II) of the virus, which is less severe than the Central African strain. By July 2022, cases had risen to 34, with one death reported.

Unlike neighboring West African countries, Ghana had no prior endemic presence of Mpox, making the 2022 outbreak particularly alarming.

2. The 2024 Resurgence

After a lull, Mpox reappeared in October 2024, first in the Western North Region, then in Greater Accra by November. Enhanced surveillance and public awareness campaigns helped contain early cases, but 2025 has seen a spike, with 19 confirmed infections as of late May.

3. Global Context

Mpox gained global attention in 2022–2023 when a Clade IIb variant spread rapidly through sexual networks, primarily affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe and North America. However, in Africa, outbreaks have been driven by both zoonotic (animal-to-human) and household transmission.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the epicenter, with Clade I (deadlier than Clade II) causing severe outbreaks, including in children.

How Mpox Spreads – And Who Is Most at Risk

1. Primary Transmission Routes

According to the WHO, Mpox spreads through:
✔ Direct skin-to-skin contact (e.g., touching rashes, sexual activity).
✔ Respiratory droplets (prolonged face-to-face contact).
✔ Contaminated surfaces (bedding, towels, clothing).
✔ Animal exposure (handling infected rodents or bushmeat).

2. High-Risk Groups

✔ Household contacts of infected individuals.
✔ Sexually active individuals, particularly those with multiple partners.
✔ Healthcare workers without proper protective gear.
✔ Immunocompromised people (e.g., advanced HIV patients), who face severe complications.

Ghana’s Current Response to the Outbreak

1. Enhanced Surveillance & Contact Tracing

The GHS is actively tracking cases and isolating contacts to curb spread.

2. Public Awareness Campaigns

• Social media alerts on prevention measures.
• Training for healthcare workers on symptom recognition.

3. Regional Collaboration

Ghana is working with the WHO and Africa CDC to strengthen lab testing and vaccine access.