Ghana Reports First Mpox Death Amid Rising Cases

Ghana has recorded its first death related to mpox, health authorities confirmed. The West African nation is facing a significant increase in new infections.

Last week, 23 new cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 257 since the virus was first detected in the country in June 2022.

"The situation is under control," stated Health Minister Kwabena Minda Akando.

Mpox, caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox, presents with symptoms including high fever and characteristic skin rashes.

State health services in Ghana are preparing to receive vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO) this week.

Since the beginning of 2024, the WHO has recorded over 37,000 confirmed cases of mpox in 25 countries, including 125 deaths.

The DR Congo accounts for 60% of cases and 40% of deaths, followed by Uganda, Burundi, and Sierra Leone, where a worrying increase in cases has been recorded since the start of the year.