Mpox outbreak: GMA urges health workers to activate enhanced infection prevention measures

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has urged all Health workers to activate enhanced infection prevention and control practices and the use of personal protective equipment in all clinical encounters.

The caution follows the increasing cases of Mpox in the country.

The GMA leadership in a release says it has noted with concern the increasing cases of Mpox being reported in the country with the concentration of the cases in the Western and Western North Regions. As of June 25, 133 cases have been confirmed with males reporting the majority of confirmed cases

The GMA in the statement also encouraged the public to continue to improve hygiene practices, including handwashing and the use of sanitizers, as these help to reduce the spread of all viral infections.

While commending the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service and other key actors for measures undertaken to curtail the spread of the disease so far, but calls for public education to be stepped up.

Mpox is a viral illness that is usually self-limiting but may result in serious illness and death. It is spread mainly by direct contact either with infected people, respiratory droplets, infected body fluids and surfaces contaminated by these infectious materials.

The GMA statement follows report that the country has confirmed fourteen more new cases of Mpox bringing the total to 133. No deaths, no admissions, and no fatalities have been recorded.

Mpox is a characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, swollen glands and a distinctive rash.

The Ghana Health Service in its latest situational report noted that as of June 22, 14 more cases have been confirmed with no death recorded yet.

The situational report further noted that there are no patients on admission while contact tracing continues.

The general public is still encouraged to avoid close contact with anyone who has a rash, wash their hands often and visit a health facility if they don’t feel well.

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Mpox Update as at 25th June 2025

14 new confirmed cases have been recorded.

Common symptoms of Mpox include:
• Fever
• Rash
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes

Protect yourself:

• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms.
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
• Seek medical care if you feel unwell.