Western North Records 1st Monkeypox Case, 230 Suspected Cases identified

• The Western North Region has recorded Ghana's first case of monkeypox in the Bia West District
• A 15-year-old boy was diagnosed with the virus after experiencing symptoms of monkeypox
• The Ghana Health Service (GHS) says it has identified 230 suspected cases and is monitoring the situation

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has recorded a case of monkeypox in the Bia West District of the Western North Region.

The patient, a 15-year-old boy, reported to the hospital for medical treatment on September 25 after suffering fever, body pains, a sore throat, and a rash on his palms and face.

Following his diagnosis, a public health advisory was issued on Thursday, October 3.

Twenty-five persons who had come into contact with the patient have also been identified to help contain the spread of the disease.

Read also

Hundreds march in protest against galamsey, demand release of democracy protesters

They are being monitored closely to prevent any potential outbreaks in the region.

The GHS also stated that about 230 suspected cases are being monitored across 88 districts nationwide.

Meanwhile, the GHS will notify the World Health Organisation (WHO) in accordance with global health response protocols.

The GHS has emphasised public cooperation with health guidelines, including proper hygiene practices and timely reporting of symptoms such as fever and rash to control the virus's spread.

Ghana declared Marburg free

Ghana has declared an end to the Marburg virus disease after no active cases of the deadly disease had been recorded after the first case was confirmed.

On July 4, 2022, Ghana confirmed its first case of the virus.

Since then, three cases have been reported, with the last being confirmed on July 21, 2022.

Read also

Health Minister orders arrest and prosecution of hospital staff who abandoned old lady in bush

Two of the three cases have died.

Only one case survived the dangerous zoonotic disease after the wave of infections that hit a close-knit family.

In a press release on Thursday, July 11, 2022, the Ghana Health Service explained that it identified the survivor as a 24-year-old mother.

She is currently the sole survivor and has since been discharged and reunited with her family.

Noguchi warns about cancer-causing drink

YEN.com.gh reported that research findings show there are dangerous levels of cancer-causing substances in Burkina, a popular drink made from millet and dairy milk.

Scientists at Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research studied the drink, which contains levels of aflatoxins that can make constant consumption dangerous for the body.

Professor Regina Appiah-Opong led the study, and it has been published in the Ghana Medical Journal.

Source: YEN.com.gh