MPox outbreak: 25 persons who have been in contact with confirmed case identified – GHS

The Ghana Health Service says it has so far identified 25 persons who came into contact with a 15-year-old who tested positive for MPOX in the Western North Region.

This forms part of efforts to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease as health officials across Ghana’s 16 regions remain on high alert.

Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Franklyn Asiedu Bekoe in an exclusive interview with 3news noted that awareness creation and security is also scheduled to be tightened at all ports of entry across the country.

The disease which has already been declared an international emergency by the WHO, citing concern over the surge in Clade 1b strain cases in the DRC has already spread to nearby countries with DR. Congo the central African country, being the epicenter of the latest outbreak.

According to the Director of Public Health, the confirmation of a case is a testament that the surveillance system is good. The Clinicians have also been informed to look for suspected cases of rashes.

He explained that the 25 contacts picked up will be monitored for 21 days so that if some become cases, they can be managed immediately. While the communities are also being combed for case search for people who have rashes and are not reporting to the health facilities.

“It was a 15yr old boy who first tested positive, and we have so far contacted 25 persons who have come into contact with him. Today is day three so it will be followed up till 21 days to be sure if some become a case, they can be managed immediately. Clinicians have been informed to look for suspected cases of rashes. The 230 suspected cases have all confirmed negative,” he stated.

Dr Asiedu Bekoe further noted that the sequencing of the virus is now being done to ascertain the strain since the new case has no travel history.

“In 2022 we had 120 cases and 2023 we had 8 so this case shouldn’t send any panic. What we want to assure Ghanaians is that the health system is available. When you have rashes, let’s not apply ointments. Go to the facilities and let’s do the test.” He added.

The virus, which causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions, can infect humans through contaminated animals or other humans through close physical contact.

Read also:

First case of MPox confirmed in Western North Region

 

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