Ghana’s confirmed monkeypox (Mpox) cases have risen to 218 following the detection of 21 new infections as of July 14, according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

In its previous update, the Ghana Health Service reported 197 confirmed cases following the detection of 11 new infections as of July 11.

The Service while revealing this information, described the trend as a gradual yet manageable increase and called for sustained public vigilance.

The country has seen a slight uptick in infections. Health officials, however, maintain that the overall situation remains under control. No hospitalisations or deaths have occurred in the Health Service’s latest update.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads primarily through close physical contact. Common symptoms include fever, tiredness, swollen lymph nodes, and a noticeable rash. Although many cases are mild, early medical care is crucial to avoid complications.

In light of the growing Mpox cases, the GHS is boosting nationwide information campaigns to ensure citizens remain aware and careful.

Preventive actions such as avoiding direct contact with sick individuals, practicing proper hygiene, and promptly seeking care when symptoms show are being emphasized.

Officials stress the importance of swift case detection and notification, with field teams and community health workers diligently monitoring developments.

The public is being encouraged to stay watchful, adhere to health precautions, and contribute to collective efforts to stop the virus from spreading.

The government is engaging international organizations for assistance in procuring vaccines to be able to curb the surging number of cases being reported.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Ghana has provided laboratory PCR reagents to enhance the country’s diagnostic capacity. The donation was officially handed over to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory.

Receiving the supplies on behalf of the GHS, Acting Deputy Director General Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah expressed gratitude for WHO’s ongoing logistical and technical support.

“We promise from our end to do our bit, collaborate, go out there, and look for the cases to make sure that this is really brought under control,” she stated.

WHO Country Representative Dr. Fiona Braka emphasized that the organization hopes the reagents will enable rapid diagnosis and prompt public health responses.

The supplies are capable of testing 3,400 suspected Mpox samples, and additional kits provided will allow clade determination for 625 confirmed positive cases.