2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Ghana

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Ghana
Disease	Mpox
Virus strain	Monkeypox virus
Location	Ghana
First outbreak	2022
Confirmed cases	100+ (as of 2023)
Deaths	0

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Ghana is part of the larger 2022–2023 mpox outbreak that has affected multiple countries worldwide. The outbreak in Ghana was first identified in 2022 and has continued into 2023, with over 100 confirmed cases reported by health authorities.

Background

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, with occasional outbreaks occurring in other regions. The virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected animal or person, or with material contaminated with the virus.

Outbreak in Ghana

The first cases of mpox in Ghana were reported in mid-2022. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirmed the presence of the virus following laboratory testing of suspected cases. The outbreak was part of a larger global resurgence of mpox cases, which saw the virus spreading to non-endemic countries.

Epidemiology

The outbreak in Ghana has primarily affected urban areas, with the majority of cases reported in the capital city, Accra, and other major cities such as Kumasi and Takoradi. The demographic most affected includes young adults, with a higher incidence in males. The mode of transmission has been predominantly human-to-human, through direct contact with infectious lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets.

Public Health Response

The Ghanaian government, in collaboration with international health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has implemented several measures to control the outbreak. These measures include:

• Surveillance and Contact Tracing: Enhanced surveillance systems have been put in place to identify and monitor cases. Contact tracing efforts aim to identify and isolate individuals who have been in contact with confirmed cases.

• Vaccination: The government has procured vaccines to immunize high-risk populations, including healthcare workers and close contacts of confirmed cases.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educational campaigns have been launched to inform the public about the symptoms of mpox, modes of transmission, and preventive measures.

• Treatment and Isolation: Treatment centers have been established to provide care for infected individuals, and isolation protocols have been enforced to prevent further spread.

Impact

The mpox outbreak has placed a significant burden on Ghana's healthcare system, which is already challenged by other endemic diseases. The outbreak has also highlighted the need for improved disease surveillance and response capabilities in the region.

Also see

• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• Mpox
• Ghana Health Service
• World Health Organization