Western Region Records One Death from Mpox, 52 Active Cases

The Western Regional Health Directorate has confirmed one death from Mpox in the region, which has now become the national epicentre of the outbreak.

Giving an update in Takoradi, Dr Gifty Amugi, Deputy Regional Director for Public Health, disclosed that the region has so far recorded 246 cumulative confirmed cases, of which 52 remain active, with two on admission and one in critical condition, while 190 patients have recovered as of September 18, 2025.

She said the cumulative number of suspected cases had reached 724, with 963 contacts listed across 13 out of the 14 districts in the region.

Dr Amugi attributed the persistence of the outbreak to slow behavioural change and a general perception of low disease consequences. “Despite our sustained efforts, the outbreak seems not to abate because the message also seems not to have gone down well with the people, and so we must all do our part to break the chain of infection,” she said.

She urged journalists to use their media platforms to amplify education and sensitisation, stressing the importance of preventive measures such as regular handwashing with soap, avoiding contact with rodents and wild animals, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Participants at the media engagement, organised by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), pledged to intensify awareness creation and support efforts to curb the spread of the disease in the region.