MoH cautions public against Mpox

 The Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised members of the public to report likely symptoms of Mon­key pox (Mpox) to the nearest health facility in order to combat possible spread in the country.

Symptoms generally include fever, headache, muscle aches and backaches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a distinctive rash characterised by lesions that progress through several stages before falling off.

A statement issued by the Public Relations Unit of the MoH, in Accra on Friday, said although the country has not recorded any case of Mpox this year, it was on high alert to address a potential threat following the World Health Organ­isation’s (WHO) declaration of the disease as a Public Health Emer­gency of International Concern (PHEIC).

The ministry said it has activat­ed an emergency response plan together with its agencies like the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in case of any eventuality.

“The MoH has issued a directive to all implementing agencies and stakeholders to heighten surveil­lance at all levels. This included all points of entry such as airports and border crossings as well as increased vigilance within commu­nities nationwide.”

“The GHS has also released a technical advice on the symptoms of Mpox and the necessary steps for early detection, reporting and treatment.”

The statement reaffirmed MoH’s commitment to leading the provi­sion of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Ghana urging citizens to cooperate with health authorities to safeguard public health and safety.

On August 14, the WHO under the International Health Regula­tions (2005) declared Mpox as a PHEIC following an upsurge in cases particularly on the African region and the likelihood for it to spread beyond the continent.

So far, the disease has affected more than 15,000 people in 18 countries on the continent, claim­ing over 150 lives.

A more contagious variant known as Clade 1b is said to be highly responsible for the recent surge in cases particularly among children through routine contact.

In Ghana, 128 cases of Mpox with four deaths have been record­ed as of December 2023.

MPOX is a zoonotic disease caused by a virus that belongs to the same family as that which causes smallpox.

It is mainly transmitted to humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected rodents or primates.

Human-to-human transmission primarily occurs through close personal contact with an infected individual via respiratory droplets, direct contact with bodily fluids or indirect contact with lesion mate­rial (e.g., contaminated clothing or bedding).

Symptoms of Monkeypox typi­cally appears within five to16 days after exposure but can develop up to 21 days.

Symptoms generally include fever, headache, muscle aches and backaches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a distinctive rash characterised by lesions that progress through several stages before falling off.

Most people fully recover from the disease within four weeks and is dependent on how mild or severe symptoms present in a pa­tient. It can, however, cause death in extreme cases.

 BY ABIGAIL ANNOH