The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has called for calm after announcing a suspected case of Monkey Pox (Mpox) in the country.
The GHS has swiftly activated a nationwide surveillance system to closely monitor and address any potential challenges that may arise from this case, demonstrating the country’s preparedness to handle the situation.
The suspected case involves a 15-year-old boy who visited a health center with feverish symptoms.
Following routine testing, the boy was confirmed to have contracted the virus, prompting the health authorities to ramp up precautionary measures to prevent any potential spread of the disease.
In a public statement, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at the GHS, assured the public that Ghana is fully prepared to contain the virus and prevent an outbreak.
He emphasized that Ghana’s health infrastructure is equipped to manage such cases, adding that the nation’s capacity to confirm Mpox cases is advanced—an ability that only 30% of African countries currently possess.
“There is no cause for alarm,” Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe stressed, urging Ghanaians to remain calm but vigilant.
The GHS has intensified public awareness campaigns to educate the population about Mpox symptoms and prevention.
The surveillance system is expected to track and identify any potential new cases across the country.
The health service is also working with regional and international health bodies to ensure that the best practices are employed in monitoring and managing the virus.
In addition, Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe highlighted several key preventive measures that have been rolled out, including increased testing capacities, rapid response teams, and training for healthcare workers across the country.
He also reassured the public that health facilities are well-prepared with the necessary equipment to handle suspected cases and isolate any potential spread.
While the situation is being carefully monitored, the GHS has urged citizens to follow public health guidelines, such as reporting any Mpox-related symptoms—fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes—immediately to the nearest health facility.
Health authorities are confident that with these measures in place, any risk of widespread transmission will be effectively contained.
The call for calm comes at a time when global health authorities have been working to curb the spread of Mpox, a viral disease that has caused outbreaks in different parts of the world.
The GHS’s swift action reflects Ghana’s commitment to staying ahead of the virus and ensuring the health and safety of its citizens.
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Story by: Osei Akoto (Teacher Kojo) #Ahotoronline.com
