Ghana: First mpox Death Amid Rising Cases

Ghana has recorded its first death related to the mpox disease, according to health authorities. 23 new cases were identified in the past week, bringing the total number to 257 since June 2022.

This is the largest weekly increase in cases since the start of epidemiological surveillance. Ghana's Minister of Health, Kwabena Minta Akandoh, stated that "the situation is under control."

Mpox, caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox, manifests with high fever, rashes, and skin lesions. Authorities are awaiting the delivery of vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Since the beginning of 2024, more than 37,000 confirmed cases and 125 deaths have been recorded in 25 countries, according to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.