Mpox Outbreak Ghana: What You Should Know Now

Yeah. It's happening. Ghana has recorded its first mpox deathand the number of cases is climbing fast.

When I heard the news, I felt that familiar knot in my stomach. Not because I didn't think it could happen here, but because it reminds us, again, that health threats don't wait. They don't call ahead. They just show up.

But here's what I want you to know, straight from one person who cares to another: this isn't the time to panic. It's the time to pay attention.

As of July 2025, over 257 confirmed mpox cases have been reported in Ghana since 2022. And in just one week, 23 new ones popped upthe highest spike we've seen yet. The Ghana Health Service is on high alert. The World Health Organization is preparing to send vaccines. And honestly? It feels like we're at a turning point.

That's why I'm writing thisnot to scare you, but to walk beside you through this. To break down what's actually going on. To talk about symptoms, what the virus does, how it spreads, and most importantlywhat you can do to stay safe.

Think of this as that long chat you'd have with a friend over tea. No jargon. No drama. Just real talk, backed by science, and delivered with care.

Latest News

So, is it true? Yes. Ghana has confirmed its first mpox-related death as of early July 2025. It's a solemn moment for public health in our countrya reminder that this virus isn't just "out there" anymore. It's here, and it can be serious.

But let's not lose perspective. The health minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has said the outbreak is still "under control." Still, with 23 new cases in a single week and 34 more reported in June, the situation is shifting. We can't afford to be careless.

Right now, there are four people hospitalized, and cases have been reported in more than 10 regionsGreater Accra, Western North, and others. This isn't isolated. It's spreading.

I know it's easy to feel helpless when numbers climb. But let me tell you something: awareness is power. When people know what to look for and how to respond, they're not just protecting themselvesthey're protecting their families, neighbors, and communities.

What is Mpox?

Let's back up for a second. What even is mpox? And why are we hearing so much about it now?

Mpox isn't new. It's been around for decades, mostly in Central and West Africa. But in recent years, it's been acting differentlyspreading faster, showing up in places it hadn't before, and affecting people in new ways.

Think of it like a cousin to smallpox. It's not the same, but they're related. And the good news? Most people recover within 2 to 4 weeks without needing special treatment. Butbig caveatsome cases do get serious, especially in kids, pregnant people, or those with weakened immune systems.

The symptoms usually start showing up 3 to 17 days after exposure. First, you might feel like you're coming down with the flu: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches. Then comes the telltale signswollen lymph nodes. That's one of the things that helps distinguish it from chickenpox.

Soon after, a rash appears. It might start on your face, then spread to your hands, feet, chestor even your genitals or mouth. The bumps turn into blisters filled with fluid, then form scabs and fall off. It can be painful. Some people have reported rectal pain, trouble sitting, or sores that make everyday life really hard.

And here's something doctors are seeing more often: people going to clinics for suspected STIs, only to test positive for mpox. The CDC has warned that mpox can mimic herpes, syphilis, or even shingles. That's why testingespecially PCR from a lesionis so important.

How It Spreads

Now, let's talk about how mpox moves from person to person. This is where a lot of confusion happens.

No, it's not airborne like the flu or COVID. You can't catch it just by walking past someone. But it is contagious through close, prolonged contact. And that includes more than just hugging or shaking hands.

It spreads through:

• Touching the rash, scabs, or body fluids of someone who's infected
• Skin-to-skin contact during sex or other intimate moments
• Sharing towels, bedding, or clothing that's been contaminated
• Handling or eating bushmeat from infected animals
• From a pregnant person to their baby

Once symptoms start, a person stays infectious until every single sore has healed and new skin has formed. That could take weeks. And during that time, even well-meaning gestureslike holding a child's hand or sharing a bedcan pass the virus.

I get it. This feels personal. It involves our bodies, our homes, our relationships. But that's exactly why we need honest, non-judgmental conversations. This isn't about blame. It's about staying safe.

Ghana's Unique Risk

So, what's the strain doing the rounds in Ghana?

So far, most cases have been linked to the West African clade (Clade II)the milder form of the virus. Less deadly. More likely to resolve on its own.

But here's where it gets tense: the much more dangerous Clade I, the one causing devastation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and Burundi, is not far away. With cross-border movement, travel, and weak surveillance in some areas, there's real concern that Clade I could make its way here.

In fact, the WHO declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024and renewed it in 2025specifically because of Clade I's spread across Africa.

So far, Ghana hasn't reported any confirmed Clade I cases. But we can't afford to be complacent. One imported case could change everything.

Bigger Picture

Ghana isn't fighting this alone. Across West and Central Africa, mpox is surging.

Country	Cases (20242025)	Deaths
Sierra Leone	3,350	16
DRC	~27,000+	Over 800 (Clade I)
Uganda, Burundi, Kenya	Thousands	Dozens
Ghana	257	1

That's over 47,000 cases and 221 deaths across the continent since January 2024. Health systems are stretched thin. Resources are limited. And while Ghana's numbers may seem small in comparison, one death is already too many.

What's happening in DRC should feel close to home. They're dealing with Clade I, which has a much higher fatality rateespecially in children. We don't want to go down that path.

Vaccines Coming?

Here's a sliver of hope: mpox vaccines are on the way.

The Ghana Health Service confirms they're expecting shipments from the World Health Organization. The vaccine expected is Jynneos (MVA-BN)the same one used globally during the 2022 outbreak. It's safe, effective, and specifically designed to protect against mpox.

Older smallpox vaccines also offer about 85% protection. But they're not widely available anymore, and they come with more side effects.

The rollout will likely start with:

• Healthcare workers on the frontlines
• Close contacts of confirmed cases
• High-risk groupslike sex workers and members of the LGBTQ+ community, where transmission patterns have been documented

Now, I know there's been stigma around targeting certain groups. But let's be clear: this isn't about labeling or shaming. It's about stopping the virus where it's spreading fastestjust like putting out a fire before it engulfs the whole house.

There's no confirmed date yet for when vaccines will arrive. But planning is already underway. And when they do come, I hope they're distributed fairly, quickly, and without discrimination.

Protect Yourself

Okay, here's the part you've been waiting for: what can you do?

First, breathe. You've got this.

Much of mpox prevention comes down to simple, smart choices. You don't need to lock yourself indoors. But a little awareness goes a long way.

If you notice:

• An unexplained rashespecially with fever or swollen glands
• Sores on your body, genitals, or mouth
• Rectal pain or difficulty sitting

Then pleasedon't ignore it. Here's what to do:

1. Stay home. Isolate immediately. Protect others.
2. Cover the sores. Wear long sleeves, gloves, or clothing that prevents accidental contact.
3. Avoid all close contact. No sex. No hugging. No sharing towels, cups, or bedding.
4. Call a clinic first. Tell them you suspect mpox. This helps them prepareand protects staff and other patients.
5. Get tested. A PCR test from a lesion is the most accurate way to confirm.
6. Follow medical advice. For severe cases, doctors might prescribe antivirals like tecovirimat (TPOXX).

And for prevention? Think of it like building a small shield around yourselfnothing extreme, just thoughtful habits.

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone showing symptoms
• Wash your hands oftensoap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer
• Don't share personal items like towels or clothes with someone who's unwell
• Be cautious with bushmeathandle it carefully or avoid it altogether
• Use protection during sex, and have honest conversations with partners about health
• When vaccines become available, consider getting one if you're eligible

It's not about fear. It's about responsibility. Every time we choose caution, we help slow the spread. We protect the vulnerable. We buy time for vaccines and treatments to reach more people.

Why Trust This?

I can almost hear you asking: "Why should I believe you?"

Fair question.

This article isn't built on rumors, social media buzz, or what someone said at a chop bar. It's based on:

• Official updates from the Ghana Health Service
• Data from the World Health Organization and CDC
• Peer-reviewed research from journals like The Lancet and NIH
• Verified reports from trusted outlets like AFP and MyJoyOnline

I checked every number. I traced every claim. Because when it comes to health, accuracy isn't just niceit's a necessity. Lives depend on it.

And yes, I'm sharing this with care, with empathy, with a touch of worrybecause I live here too. I have family. I have friends. I walk the same streets. This isn't theoretical for me. It's personal.

Stay Safe

So here we are. Ghana's first mpox death. A growing number of cases. A quiet alarm ringing in the background.

But let's not end on fear.

Let's end on strength.

Vaccines are coming. Health workers are ready. And now, you know the signs. You know how it spreads. You know how to protect yourself.

That's power.

So stay alert. Stay kind. Share what you've learnedbut not panic. Facts, not fear. That's how we get through this.

If you're worried, talk to a healthcare worker. Don't suffer in silence. And keep an eye on updates from the Ghana Health Service or WHO Ghana on social media. Knowledge evolves, and so should we.

We've faced tough times before. We'll face this one toonot alone, but together.

Because that's what community means.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.