Ghana’s health authorities have confirmed the country’s first case of mpox for 2024, although the specific variant involved has not yet been revealed. Health officials are conducting tests to determine whether this case is linked to the clade Ib variant, which has raised significant global concerns due to its rapid transmission and the limited understanding of its characteristics and potential impacts.
The patient, described as a young male, is presenting with symptoms that include fever, rash, and body pain, which are typical of mpox infections. In response to the confirmed case, health authorities have identified 25 individuals who had close contact with the patient and are actively monitoring their health for any signs of infection.
This announcement follows previous reports of mpox cases in Ghana during 2022 and 2023, highlighting the ongoing public health challenge posed by this viral infection. In August, the World Health Organization declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following a concerning outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighboring countries.
Currently, two strains of mpox are circulating in the region: the clade I variant, which is endemic to certain areas of West and Central Africa, and the newly identified clade Ib, known for its ability to spread more easily through close contact, including sexual activities. As health officials continue to monitor the situation, the focus remains on containment and understanding the implications of the emerging variants.
