Ghana confirms new mpox case

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Thursday reported a new mpox case in the country.

The health authority revealed in a situation report that it has received confirmation about the case of a 15-year-old male in the Western North Region out of 230 suspected cases nationwide.

“On Oct. 1, the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory confirmed a case of mpox, following laboratory testing of a suspected case from the Western North Region,” the report said.

According to the report, the 15-year-old male sought treatment at a district government hospital on Sept. 25, with a three-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.

“The case was initially admitted but later discharged and is currently stable at home,” the report disclosed.

It added that the patient had no history of travel over the previous 21 days or a history of sexual exposure to a potentially infectious person.

It said at least 25 individuals have been identified as contacts and are being monitored closely.