Mpox Concerns: Ghana Reports First Case with Unknown Variant
Ghana's First Report of Mpox This Year
Accra: In a concerning update for global health, Ghana's health service has announced the country's first case of mpox this year, with the specific variant yet to be identified. A health official indicated that testing is ongoing to ascertain whether the clade Ib form of the mpox virus is present, given its notable rapid spread and limited knowledge about this strain.
Details of the Case
Previously, Ghana recorded mpox cases in 2022 and 2023. The statement describes the patient as a young male exhibiting symptoms such as fever, rash, and body pains. Importantly, health authorities have identified and are monitoring 25 contacts linked to the patient.
- Almost 30,000 suspected mpox cases in Africa this year have been noted, according to WHO.
- The World Health Organization recently declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years.
- This follows an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighboring countries.
Mpox Strains Explained
Currently, two strains of mpox are spreading:
- Clade I variant - endemic in parts of West and Central Africa.
- New clade Ib - spreads more easily through close contact, including sexual interactions.
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