The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed the first case of monkeypox in the Western North Region. The diagnosis was confirmed by the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) on October 1, 2024, following tests on a suspected case from the region.
The patient, a 15-year-old boy, sought treatment at a district government hospital on September 25, 2024, with symptoms such as fever, body aches, sore throat, and a rash. Initially, the rash appeared on his palms and face, later spreading to his trunk and limbs. Health officials noted that the boy had no recent travel history or known sexual exposure to an infectious person.
After being hospitalized, the patient has since been discharged and is now in stable condition at home.
In response, the Western North Regional Health Directorate and the Bia West District have activated public health emergency protocols and initiated measures to contain the situation.
As part of this, 15 healthcare workers and 10 community members who had contact with the patient are under close observation.
The GHS has outlined further control measures, including a thorough investigation and ongoing community education to raise awareness. The public is urged to stay vigilant and promptly report any monkeypox-related symptoms, 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.”
