MPOX OUTBREAK IN GHANA: EPIDEMIOLOGY, RESPONSE, AND LESSONS LEARNED.

Mpox, caused by Mpox virus, has resurfaced and is causing a public health concern in Ghana. Since July 2022, new suspected and confirmed cases had been reported from various areas. By September 2025, Ghana had recorded the largest outbreak ever recorded, with all 16 regions of the country being affected. Data were extracted from Ghana Health Service Situation Reports (SITREP No. 42, 9 September 2025) surveillance updates and communication from the media. Descriptive epidemiology was used to summarize the case counts, demographics, geographic distribution and clinical outcomes. A literature review of World Health Organization (WHO) reports, New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) and the Lancet and PubMed indexed studies (2022-2025) contextualized the results in Ghana to the outbreaks worldwide. As of September 9th, 2025, there had been 541 confirmed cases, 2,799 suspected cases and 1 death in Ghana. Of those, 452 were in recovery, three were still admitted to the hospital, and 85 were at home on isolation. A total of 2614 (83%) contacts followed up: 10 patients developed Mpox during follow-up. The outbreak has impacted all 16 regions with 97 of the 261 districts impacted, including Greater Accra and Western Regions. Both genders were affected, and all age groups (4yrs to >80yrs) were affected, but the majority were young adults(18-35yrs). Public health responses consisted of increased surveillance, laboratory scale-up (NPHRL, NMIMR, KCCR, with implementation of GeneXpert decentralization), special sensitization of high-risk populations and enhanced risk communication. The Mpox outbreak in Ghana provides evidence of a robust capacity for surveillance and multisectoral response but reveals important gaps in laboratory decentralization, the management of cases and the equitable availability of vaccination and therapeutic options. It is important that sustained investment in diagnostics, vaccination and engagement with the community is made for preparedness.