The Nkwanta North District in the Oti Region has confirmed its first case of Mpox, a viral disease that continues to raise global health concerns.
The announcement was made by the District Health Director, Eric Kojo Agboka, during a press briefing with Adom News. He explained that the virus, formerly known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic infection that spreads from animals to humans and can also be transmitted between humans.
According to him, symptoms often include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, which may escalate into severe health complications if left untreated.
The confirmed case involves an individual who recently traveled from the Accra Konkomba market and showed symptoms consistent with the virus. After thorough testing, health officials verified the diagnosis.
Mr. Agboka urged residents to be alert and to seek immediate medical care if they experience unusual symptoms. He emphasized the importance of public education on transmission and prevention to contain the outbreak.
Isaiah Dordoe, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Nkwanta North, also appealed to the community to remain calm but vigilant. He noted that health authorities have commenced contact tracing and launched public sensitization campaigns to educate residents on hygiene practices and early reporting.
“We are working closely with the health department to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to prevent further spread of the virus,” the DCE assured.
The Nkwanta North Health Directorate has pledged to monitor the situation closely and keep the public updated as efforts intensify to curb the spread of the disease.
