Mpox outbreak in Ghana

Last updated

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Ghana
Disease Human mpox
Location Ghana
Arrival date8 June 2022 [1] – ongoing (2 years, 5 months, and 12 days)
DateJuly 27th, 2022
Confirmed cases34 [2]
Suspected cases‡159
Deaths
1 [3]
‡Suspected cases have not been confirmed by laboratory tests as being due to this strain, although some other strains may have been ruled out.

The mpox outbreak in Ghana is a part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. As opposed to its West African neighbours, Ghana had no endemic presence of mpox, only experiencing it during the 2022 outbreak. The first 5 cases of mpox in Ghana was detected on June 8, 2022. [1]

Contents

Background

Mpox ( /ˈɛmpɒks/ , EM-poks; formerly known as monkeypox) [4] is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The illness is usually mild, and most infected individuals recover within a few weeks without treatment. The time from exposure to the onset of symptoms ranges from three to seventeen days, and symptoms typically last from two to four weeks. However, cases may be severe, especially in children, pregnant women, or people with suppressed immune systems. [5] [6] [7]

The disease is caused by the monkeypox virus, a zoonotic virus in the genus Orthopoxvirus . The variola virus, which causes smallpox, is also in this genus. [8] Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with infected skin or body fluids, including sexual contact. [8] People remain infectious from the onset of symptoms until all the lesions have scabbed and healed. [5] The virus may spread from infected animals through handling infected meat or via bites or scratches. [5] Diagnosis can be confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing a lesion for the virus's DNA. [8]

Vaccination is recommended for those at high risk of infection. [8] No vaccine has been developed specifically against mpox, but smallpox vaccines have been found to be effective. [9] There is no specific treatment for the disease, so the aim of treatment is to manage the symptoms and prevent complications. [8] [10] Antiviral drugs such as tecovirimat can be used to treat mpox, [8] although their effectiveness has not been proved. [11]

An ongoing outbreak of mpox was confirmed on May 6, 2022, beginning with a British resident who, after travelling to Nigeria (where the disease is endemic), presented symptoms consistent with mpox on April 29, 2022. The resident returned to the United Kingdom on May 4, creating the country's index case of the outbreak. [12] The origin of several of the cases of mpox in the United Kingdom is unknown. Some monitors saw community transmission taking place in the London area as of mid-May, [13] but it has been suggested that cases were already spreading in Europe in the previous months. [14]

Transmission

Stages of lesion development. Stages of monkeypox lesion development.jpg
Stages of lesion development.

A large portion of those infected were believed to have not recently traveled to areas of Africa where mpox is normally found, such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as central and western Africa. It is believed to be transmitted by close contact with sick people, with extra caution for those individuals with lesions on their skin or genitals, along with their bedding and clothing. The CDC has also stated that individuals should avoid contact and consumption of dead animals such as rats, squirrels, monkeys and apes along with wild game or lotions derived from animals in Africa. [15]

In addition to more common symptoms, such as fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes or lesions, some patients have also experienced proctitis, an inflammation of the rectum lining. CDC has also warned clinicians to not rule out mpox in patients with sexually transmitted infections since there have been reports of co-infections with syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes. [16]

2024

In 2024, Ghana recorded its first case in October in a Western North Region. [17] In November, the Greater Accra region recorded its first case [18] with 3 recorded cases in the Greater Accra Region as of 15 November 2024. [19]

See also

Notes

    Related Research Articles

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Mpox</span> Viral disease of humans and animals

    Mpox is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The illness is usually mild, and most infected individuals recover within a few weeks without treatment. The time from exposure to the onset of symptoms ranges from three to seventeen days, and symptoms typically last from two to four weeks. However, cases may be severe, especially in children, pregnant women, or people with suppressed immune systems.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the United Kingdom</span> Ongoing viral outbreak

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the United Kingdom is part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade (type) of the monkeypox virus. The United Kingdom was the first country, outside of the endemic African areas, to experience an outbreak. As of 22 July 2022, there were 2,208 confirmed cases in the United Kingdom, with 2,115 in England, 54 in Scotland, 24 in Wales, and 15 in Northern Ireland.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Canada</span> Ongoing viral outbreak

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Canada is a part of the outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak started in Canada on May 19, 2022, with the country since then becoming one of the most affected in the Americas.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Portugal is part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. Portugal was the third country, outside of the African countries with endemic mpox, to experience an outbreak in 2022.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Italy is part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. Italy was the sixth country, outside of the African countries with endemic mpox, to experience an outbreak in 2022. The first case was documented in Rome, Italy, on May 19, 2022. As of August 5th, Italy has 505 cases.

    The 2022 – 2023 mpox outbreak in France is part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. France had its first case on 20 May 2022.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Belgium is part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. Belgium was the fifth country, outside of the African countries with endemic mpox, to experience an outbreak in 2022. The first case was documented in Antwerp, Belgium, on 19 May 2022. As of 10 August, Belgium has 546 cases and 1 suspected case.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Australia is a part of the outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak reached Australia on 20 May 2022. By 28 October 2022 there were over 140 confirmed cases. The Chief Medical Officer of Australia stood down the country's Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance declaration on 25 November 2022.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Israel is a part of the ongoing outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak was first reported in Israel on 20 May 2022 when the Health Ministry announced a suspected case which was confirmed on 21 May 2022. One month later, on 21 June, the first locally transmitted case was reported.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Switzerland is a part of the outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak started in Switzerland on 19 May 2022, with the country since then becoming one of the most affected in Europe.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Austria is part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. Austria is the fifteenth country outside of Africa to experience an endemic mpox outbreak. The first case was reported in Vienna, Austria, on 22 May 2022. As of 2 December, Austria has confirmed a total of 327 cases.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Mexico</span> Ongoing viral outbreak

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Mexico is part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. Mexico is the twenty-fourth country outside of Africa to experience an endemic mpox outbreak. The first case was reported in Mexico City, Mexico, on May 28, 2022. As of December 8th 2022, Mexico had confirmed a total of 3455 cases in all 32 states and 4 deaths.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Brazil</span> Ongoing outbreak of mpox in Brazil

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Brazil is a part of the ongoing outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak was first reported in Brazil on 9 June 2022 when a man in São Paulo was registered as the country's index case.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Spain</span> 2022–2023 outbreak of viral disease in Spain

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Spain is a part of the outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. Spain was the second country outside the African countries with endemic mpox, to experience an outbreak in 2022. The outbreak was first reported in Spain on 18 May 2022.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the Netherlands is an ongoing global outbreak which has also spread in the Netherlands. The RIVM declared the disease an A-disease which makes it mandatory to report suspected cases to the GGD. The first human case of mpox in the Netherlands has been identified at the 21 May 2022. The outbreak does have a noticeable impact at the society, especially with people spreading misinformation related to the virus. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands has increased the fear among the community for a new pandemic like mpox.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in South Africa is a part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. South Africa was the forty-seventh country, outside of the African countries with endemic mpox, to experience an outbreak in 2022. The first case of mpox in South Africa was on June 23, 2022.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Japan</span> Outbreak of mpox in Japan

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Japan is a part of the larger outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. According to the Ministry of Health, Japan's first mpox case was reported in Tokyo on 25 July 2022.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Chile</span> Ongoing viral outbreak

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Chile is a part of the outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. The outbreak reached Chile on 17 June 2022.

    The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Singapore is a part of the global outbreak of human mpox caused by the West African clade of the monkeypox virus. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Singapore's first imported mpox case was reported on 20 June 2022. It was the first ever confirmed case in Southeast Asia.

    The 2022-2023 mpox outbreak in the Republic of Ireland is part of the larger ongoing global outbreak of human mpox caused by Clade II of the monkeypox virus. The first case in the Republic was confirmed on 27 May 2022.

    References

    1. 1 2 "5 cases of monkeypox confirmed in Ghana". MyJoyOnline.com. Archived from the original on 21 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
    2. ↑ "Monkeypox declared a global emergency: Ghana records 34 cases across 6 regions". Ghana Fact. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
    3. ↑ "One person dead after contracting monkeypox". MyJoyOnline.com. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
    4. ↑ "WHO recommends new name for monkeypox disease" (Press release). World Health Organization (WHO). 28 November 2022. Archived from the original on 1 December 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
    5. 1 2 3 "Mpox". World Health Organization (WHO). 17 August 2024. Archived from the original on 19 August 2024. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
    6. ↑ "WHO Factsheet –Mpox (Monkeypox)". World Health Organization (WHO). 18 April 2023. Archived from the original on 21 April 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
    7. ↑ "Mpox Symptoms". U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 15 March 2024. Archived from the original on 2 April 2024. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
    8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "WHO Factsheet –Mpox (Monkeypox)". World Health Organization (WHO). 18 April 2023. Archived from the original on 21 April 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
    9. ↑ Christodoulidou MM, Mabbott NA (1 January 2023). "Efficacy of smallpox vaccines against Mpox infections in humans". Immunotherapy Advances. 3 (1): ltad020. doi:10.1093/immadv/ltad020. PMC   10598838 . PMID   37886620.
    10. ↑ "Mpox (formerly Monkeypox)". NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 6 December 2022. Archived from the original on 23 May 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
    11. ↑ "Patient's Guide to Mpox Treatment with Tecovirimat (TPOXX)". U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 28 November 2022. Archived from the original on 24 May 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
    12. ↑ "Monkeypox – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland". World Health Organization. 16 May 2022. Archived from the original on 17 May 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
    13. ↑ Pinkstone, Joe (17 May 2022). "Monkeypox 'spreading in sexual networks'". The Telegraph . Archived from the original on 17 May 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
    14. ↑ Nsofor, Ifeanyi (2 June 2022). "OPINION: Media coverage of monkeypox paints it as an African virus. That makes me mad". NPR . Retrieved 2 June 2022.
    15. ↑ Vargas, Ramon Antonio (7 June 2022). "US raises monkeypox alert level but says risk to public remains low". the Guardian. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
    16. ↑ "Monkeypox update: Where the outbreak stands now".
    17. ↑ "Ghana reports first mpox case of the year | CIDRAP". www.cidrap.umn.edu. 4 October 2024. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
    18. ↑ "GHS reports 1 MPOX case in Greater Accra Region - MyJoyOnline". www.myjoyonline.com. 15 November 2024. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
    19. ↑ "Mpox cases rise to 3, one confirmed in Greater Accra Region". 15 November 2024. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
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