The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has eased concerns regarding the confirmed Mpox case in the Western North Region, stating that it is not severe.
Dr. Franklin Aseidu Bekoe, the Director of Public Health at the GHS, noted that while there are over 230 cases reported across 88 districts, the focus remains on the single confirmed case, which is currently under control.
The diagnosis was confirmed by the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) on October 1, 2024, following laboratory tests on a suspected case from the region.
In an interview on Eyewitness News with Selorm Adonoo on Thursday, October 3, 2024, Dr. Aseidu Bekoe emphasized that measures are being implemented to prevent the disease’s spread.
He further explained that the public should avoid physical contact with individuals who have been affected to minimize transmission risks.
“Here samples were collected and sent to our labs. For Mpox we have two labs that can confirm; our reference lab and Noguchi. So, this was sent to the reference lab and it was confirmed.
“I need to state that there is news going on that there are about 230 cases in 88 districts. Our focus should be on this one confirmed case, I will say it is not a severe case. So, it was seen and they started [treatment] on the second day. This child, a 16-year-old male is fine.
“What we are trying to do is that we identified contacts. These contacts were health workers and friends and in total, we have 25 of them and they are being followed,” he stated.
