Ghana has confirmed its first mpox case of 2024, according to an announcement by the country’s health authorities.

The specific strain of the virus has not yet been identified, but ongoing tests aim to determine whether it’s the clade Ib strain, which has drawn international attention due to its rapid transmission rates and the relative lack of research surrounding it.

The patient, a young man, is exhibiting common symptoms of the disease, including fever, a rash, and body aches. Health officials have promptly traced 25 individuals who came into contact with the patient, and they are now under close observation to prevent further spread of the virus.

This is not Ghana’s first encounter with mpox. The country had previously reported cases in both 2022 and 2023. Mpox is a zoonotic viral disease, similar to smallpox, which primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated surfaces.

In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global health emergency after an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) led to widespread transmission across neighboring regions. There are currently two major strains of the virus circulating. Clade I is predominantly found in parts of West and Central Africa, where it has historically been confined. However, the more transmissible clade Ib has emerged as a global concern. This strain spreads more easily, particularly through close contact, including during sexual interactions, increasing the risk of community transmission in both endemic and non-endemic regions.

The WHO and Ghanaian health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, and the results of strain testing will likely guide further containment and treatment measures. The case highlights the ongoing challenges African nations face in controlling mpox outbreaks, exacerbated by limited resources and the high transmissibility of certain strains.