Ghana hconfirmed its first five Cases of Monkeypox in the country. Ghana Health Service (GHS) reported that they found the virus in three regions in the country. The regions were the Eastern, Western, and Greater Accra regions. The Director-General of Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye explained that so far, 12 suspected cases had been investigated since 24th May.
Health experts have agreed that even though the risks of the virus to the public were low, there were several steps one could take to reduce the risks of catching the virus. The U.S Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, U.K National Health Service, and WHO have all recommended:
• To use condoms when having sexual intercourse and avoid contact with animals that may harbor the virus including sick or dead animals and animals with a known history of the virus such as monkeys, prairie dogs, and rodents.
• To avoid contact with individuals that have recently gotten the virus and those who have been infected. It is advised to wear a face mask when in close contact with affected individuals.
• To eat properly cooked meat only
• To use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when caring for patients with confirmed or suspected Monkeypox infection.
• To practice good hand hygiene, most especially after coming in close contact with infection or suspected humans and animals. One is advised to wash the hands with soap and water or to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
