Health officials in the Nkwanta North District of the Oti Region have confirmed the area’s first case of mpox, raising concerns among residents as authorities move swiftly to prevent further spread.
The patient, who recently traveled from the Accra Konkomba market, began showing symptoms consistent with the viral disease, including fever and skin rashes.
Health officers immediately placed the individual under medical review, and subsequent tests confirmed the presence of mpox.
District Health Director, Eric Kojo Agboka, disclosed the case at a press briefing, noting that the confirmation comes at a time when the world is still grappling with rising infections.
Following the confirmation, the District Health Directorate has begun tracing individuals who may have come into close contact with the patient.
Public health teams are also conducting community sensitisation campaigns to educate residents on the symptoms of mpox and emphasize personal hygiene as a preventive measure.
He explained that mpox is a zoonotic viral disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, and also spreads through close human-to-human contact.
“Symptoms such as fever, rashes, and swollen lymph nodes should not be ignored. Anyone experiencing these signs should seek medical care immediately,” Mr. Agboka advised.
District Chief Executive (DCE) for Nkwanta North, Isaiah Dordoe, has appealed for calm while urging residents to remain vigilant. “We are working closely with the health department to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to prevent further spread of the virus,” he assured.
Mr. Dordoe further stressed the importance of community cooperation, calling on locals to promptly report unusual symptoms to health authorities.
The Nkwanta North District Health Directorate says it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates to the public as measures are enforced to contain the disease.
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Source: Obrempongba K. Owusu
