Mpox in Africa and Ghana: What to Know, Prevent, and Manage

Mpox, once called monkeypox, is a viral disease that’s been a growing concern in Africa, with recent surges raising alarm bells. It’s caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, and while it’s been around since 1970, recent outbreaks have put it back in the spotlight. Let’s dive into what’s happening with mpox in Africa, zoom in on Ghana, and break down what you should watch for, how to prevent it, and how to care for someone who’s contracted it. I’m pulling from the latest data to keep this real and relevant.

Mpox in Africa: A Rising Tide

Africa has seen mpox cases for decades, primarily in Central and West Africa, where the virus is endemic. But things have escalated recently. In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to a surge in cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported 17,541 cases and 517 deaths across 13 African countries as of August 9, 2024, with the DRC accounting for the lion’s share—16,789 cases and 511 deaths. This is a 160% jump in cases compared to the same period last year, with deaths up by 19%.

The emergence of a new strain, clade Ib, in the DRC has been a game-changer. Unlike earlier outbreaks, this strain spreads more easily through sexual contact and has popped up in countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for the first time. Children under 15 are getting hit hard, making up over 70% of cases and 85% of deaths in the DRC, likely due to weaker immune systems and crowded living conditions.

Ghana’s Experience with Mpox

Ghana isn’t new to mpox, but it’s not an endemic hotspot like some of its neighbors. The country first reported cases in 2022, with five confirmed on June 8. By October 2022, Ghana had 105 confirmed cases and four deaths. Fast forward to 2025, and the situation has intensified. As of June 2, 2025, Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirmed 26 new cases, bringing the total to 45, with no deaths reported so far. Two patients are currently hospitalized, and contact tracing is in full swing. A recent case in the Bia West District involved a 15-year-old boy with symptoms like fever, body aches, sore throat, and rashes.

Interestingly, Ghana’s cases have been linked to the less severe West African clade (clade II), but the rise in numbers shows the virus isn’t slowing down. Cases are spread across regions like Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono, and Upper East, with ages ranging from 9 months to 41 years.

What to Watch Out For: Symptoms of Mpox

Mpox can sneak up on you, with symptoms showing up 1–21 days after exposure. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

• Rash or Lesions: Often the hallmark, starting as flat spots, turning into blisters, then crusting over. They can appear on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or anus. The new clade Ib strain tends to cause lesions on genitals, making it trickier to spot.

• Flu-like Symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and low energy often kick things off.

• Swollen Lymph Nodes: A key clue, setting mpox apart from similar diseases like smallpox.

• Sore Throat or Fatigue: These can show up early, sometimes before the rash.

Not everyone gets all these symptoms. Some might only have a rash, while others feel flu-like first. In severe cases, especially in kids, pregnant women, or those with weakened immune systems (like untreated HIV patients), complications can be serious.

Prevention: Staying Ahead of the Virus

Preventing mpox is about breaking the chain of transmission. The virus spreads through close contact—think skin-to-skin, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated items like bedding. Animal-to-human transmission is also a risk, especially in areas where people handle wild animals. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Avoid Close Contact: Steer clear of anyone with mpox symptoms, especially skin lesions. Avoid sharing bedding, towels, or utensils with someone infected.

• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you’re in close contact with someone who might be infected, a face mask can help.

• Safe Sex Practices: Since clade Ib spreads through sexual contact, use condoms and be vigilant for symptoms if you’ve recently changed partners.

• Vaccination: Two vaccines, JYNNEOS and ACAM2000, can prevent mpox. Africa CDC recommends post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for close contacts and high-risk groups like healthcare workers or immunocompromised individuals. Mass vaccination isn’t advised, but targeted shots for at-risk groups are key. Ghana is working to secure more vaccine supplies.

• Avoid Infected Animals: Don’t handle or eat bushmeat, and steer clear of sick or dead animals in endemic areas.

For travelers to high-risk areas like the DRC, check CDC Travel Health Notices and avoid activities like hunting or handling wild animals. Vaccination before travel is a smart move if you’re at risk.

Caring for Someone with Mpox

If someone you know has mpox, quick action and careful management can make a big difference. Here’s how to care for them while keeping yourself safe:

• Isolate the Patient: They should stay home except for medical visits. Use a separate room and bathroom if possible. They’re infectious until all lesions have scabbed and healed.

• Provide Supportive Care: There’s no specific antiviral for mpox in Ghana yet, but supportive care helps. Keep them hydrated, manage fever with acetaminophen, and treat pain. Clean skin lesions to prevent secondary infections. If they have HIV, ensure they stick to their antiretroviral therapy to boost their immune response.

• Use PPE: If you’re caring for them, wear gloves, a gown, eye protection, and a respirator. Follow WHO’s “Five Moments” for hand hygiene—before and after touching the patient, their environment, or any bodily fluids.

• Monitor Symptoms: Watch for worsening signs, like severe pain, breathing issues, or signs of secondary infections. Seek medical help immediately if these appear. Vulnerable groups like kids or those with weak immune systems need extra attention.

• Consider Tecovirimat: This antiviral, approved for orthopoxviruses, shows promise for clade II mpox, shortening disease duration in some cases. However, a recent trial in the DRC found it didn’t significantly speed up lesion resolution for clade I. Ghana is exploring its use, but access is limited. Always consult a healthcare provider.

• Avoid Stigma: Support the patient emotionally. Mpox can carry stigma, especially with sexual transmission. Offer psychological support and avoid judgment to help them recover.

The Bigger Picture

The mpox surge in Africa, especially the DRC, is a wake-up call. Ghana’s response—ramping up surveillance, contact tracing, and vaccine access—shows resilience, but challenges remain. Weak healthcare systems, low testing rates, and limited access to treatments like tecovirimat highlight the need for global support. The WHO and Africa CDC are pushing for better surveillance, equitable vaccine distribution, and stronger public health infrastructure to tackle this.

For now, stay vigilant. If you’re in Ghana or traveling to affected areas, know the symptoms, practice prevention, and act fast if you suspect mpox. It’s a manageable disease with the right steps, but it takes all of us—communities, governments, and global partners—working together to keep it in check.