Disregard reports of a monkeypox outbreak in the Western Region – Ghana Health Service
This 1997 image provided by the CDC during an investigation into an outbreak of monkeypox, which took place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), formerly Zaire, and depicts the dorsal surfaces of the hands of a monkeypox case patient, who was displaying the appearance of the characteristic rash during its recuperative stage. As more cases of monkeypox are detected in Europe and North America in 2022, some scientists who have monitored numerous outbreaks in Africa say they are baffled by the unusual disease's spread in developed countries. (CDC via AP)
Reports suggesting that monkeypox has been detected in the Western Region have been debunked by the Ghana Health Service.
A post on social media which went viral had alleged that the country had recorded its first case of monkeypox in the region.
But the Ghana Health Service has quashed the reports while urging Ghanaians to disregard such reports. It has also assured the public that it has enhanced its surveillance activities regarding the disease and would provide Ghanaians with timely updates.
Currently, over 200 cases of monkeypox have been detected worldwide. The disease is fast spreading across non-endemic areas including Europe and America.
Monkeypox is caused by a larger group of viruses known as the Orthopoxviruses Smallpox.
Initially, inoculation against smallpox to protect against monkeypox was used, however, mass vaccinations against Smallpox were discontinued in 1980 after the WHO said it had been eradicated.
