Ghana reports first Mpox death

Ghana has recorded its first Mpox-related death, health authorities confirmed, as the virus continues its sharp rise in the country. In the past week alone, 23 new cases were reported, pushing the total number of infections to 257 since June 2022, marking the highest weekly increase since the outbreak began.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh reassured the public that the outbreak is under control, emphasizing that “early detection and responsible behavior” remain key to containment. Ghana Health Service is ramping up surveillance and contact tracing, while awaiting vaccine doses from the World Health Organisation to reach the country soon.

This spike, according to the AFP news agency, comes after weeks of gradually rising infection counts—from 79 cases in June to 163 cases by the end of June, and 218 by mid‑July—all without a recorded fatality until now. Most virus transmission has occurred in the Western and Greater Accra regions, now prompting intensified public health measures.