The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed an increase in Mpox cases, with 10 additional cases bringing the national total to 19 as of late May 2025. According to updates from the GHS, five of these confirmed cases are currently admitted and receiving treatment, and importantly, no deaths related to Mpox have been reported. In response to the outbreak, surveillance measures have been intensified across the country, particularly in areas affected by the disease.

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease related to smallpox. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and GHS describe its symptoms as including fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic painful skin rash. Mrs Wilhemina Tiwaah Duah Morttey, Municipal Health Director of Tarkwa Nsuaem, highlighted that rashes may not always cover the entire body and can appear in specific areas such as the mouth, palms, soles of the feet, and sometimes the genitals.

Transmission of Mpox occurs primarily through close contact with an infected individual or contaminated materials. This includes skin-to-skin contact (such as touching or sexual activity), mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact (like kissing), and face-to-face contact through respiratory droplets (e.g., talking or breathing in close proximity). The virus can also spread via body fluids and contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding. Mrs Morttey emphasized that fluid from the rash and skin particles shed during healing are also contagious. Emerging research suggests that the virus can spread significantly through sexual contact, and the WHO notes that individuals with multiple sexual partners may be at a higher risk.

The GHS has strongly advised the public to practice several preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. These include regular and thorough handwashing with soap under running water, avoiding close physical contact with individuals showing symptoms of Mpox, especially those with unexplained rashes, and refraining from sharing personal items. The public is also urged to report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility and to seek medical care promptly if they develop a rash or feel unwell. Additionally, adherence to general hygiene protocols, similar to those for COVID-19, is encouraged.

Local health authorities, such as the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Health Directorate, are actively engaged in awareness and sensitization campaigns. Mrs Morttey cautioned Ghanaians to be mindful of their sexual activities due to the role of sexual contact in transmission. She pointed out the complicated situation in informal settings like illegal mining sites where hygiene and safety protocols are often neglected, increasing vulnerability. Specific advice includes avoiding wearing other people’s clothes and, for those using shared bathrooms or public toilets, thoroughly cleaning seats with a chlorine disinfectant before use. Healthcare professionals are urging cooperation from individuals who may need isolation, emphasizing that Mpox is highly contagious, and there is concern about some people hiding their condition for fear of stigma.

Despite ongoing education efforts, Mrs Morttey lamented that some people exhibit complacency, possibly due to the perceived low mortality rate of the disease. However, given the rising cases in neighboring countries, Ghanaian health authorities are taking a proactive stance to reach everyone and prevent a similar escalation. The Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality itself has reported three positive Mpox cases, with three more currently under investigation. The GHS continues to monitor the national situation closely and has committed to providing further updates as necessary, while local directorates maintain strong in-person education efforts to ensure the public remains well-informed about this evolving health concern.