The deputy Eastern regional Director of public health, Dr. Ekow Otoo, has cautioned Ghanaians to go back to the era of wearing of nose mask, washing of hands under running water and the use of hand sanitizers, to fight the recent surge in COVID-19 active cases and the new deadly virus monkeypox.
Although Ghana is yet to record any death case of monkeypox virus after the country has recorded 5 cases, which was disclosed by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Kuma Aboagye in a press briefing on Wednesday June 8, 2022, Dr. Ekow has revealed it could be deadly.
Speaking to Kwaku Dawuro on Movement In The Morning Political Show , Dr. Otoo said “the virus could be deadly as countries such as DR. Congo, and some parts of Central and West Africa have recorded dead cases following the outbreak of monkeypox. Hence, the need to be wary and ensure all safety precautions are adhered to. Even if you do not die, the virus has a devastating effect”.
“Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus, it originates from the smallpox family. If you will recall, smallpox was eradicated from the world in 1980, and monkeypox is a family of smallpox”, he told Kwaku Dawuro.
He called for ramped-up efforts to contain its spread, as Ghana is yet to receive any vaccine for the prevention of the virus.
“Early detection and isolation of cases, as well as contact tracing, were key to curtailing the virus and I urge all health facilities to be on the lookout and activate their surveillance networks. Let’s ensure we are adhering to all safety precautions”, he stressed.
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