Ghana has recorded its first death linked to Mpox, health authorities confirmed Sunday, as the country grapples with a sharp rise in infections. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) reported 23 new cases in the past week, bringing the total to 257 confirmed infections since the virus first appeared in June 2022.

The fatality marks a turning point in Ghana’s outbreak, which until now had seen only mild cases. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh assured the public that the situation remains under control, emphasizing the importance of early detection and responsible behavior to curb transmission.

Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral illness related to smallpox, characterized by fever, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and distinctive skin lesions. It spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials and can be fatal in severe cases.

According to Dr. Franklyn Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at GHS, Ghana has already identified at-risk populations and is prepared to roll out vaccinations once doses arrive from the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has approved a vaccine for Mpox, which is expected to facilitate timely access for vulnerable groups across Africa.

The outbreak in Ghana mirrors a wider regional crisis. Sierra Leone has reported 3,350 cases and 16 deaths between January and late May, while thousands more infections have been documented in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Burundi.

Data from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) show that since early 2024, the continent has seen over 47,000 Mpox cases and 221 deaths, with 27,000 infections recorded in the first half of 2025 alone.

The virus poses a particular threat to children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Ghana’s health authorities have activated contact tracing, public awareness campaigns, and regional surveillance to contain the spread.

WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently reaffirmed that Mpox remains a global health emergency, citing the surge in West African cases and the need for international coordination to prevent further escalation.

Ghana’s response will be closely watched as a test of regional preparedness. With vaccines on the horizon and public health protocols in place, officials hope to prevent a broader outbreak and protect the most vulnerable.

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