Medical Superintendent, Dr. Kwasi Baffour has described the Mpox virus as a more serious disease than COVID-19, warning the public to be vigilant following four confirmed cases in Ghana. Speaking on Teknokrat on Focus FM with Sika Audrey Dzifa, Dr. Baffour explained that Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has similar features to chickenpox but comes with severe skin manifestations.
“Mpox is very different from COVID-19 as Mpox is more serious and has skin manifestations, whereas COVID-19 is a respiratory disease. When infected, within 2 to 5 days, you’ll begin to see blisters on your legs, arms, palms, and sometimes the face,” he said.
His comments follow an official statement from the Ghana Health Service and Ministry of Health confirming new cases of the virus after its first outbreak on May 15. Dr. Baffour clarified that the virus is zoonotic—transmitted between animals and humans—and stressed the importance of public education to avoid stigma.
“Initially, it was called monkeypox, but that name has been modified to Mpox to avoid stigmatizing monkeys. The virus lives in animals like squirrels, domestic rats, and thrives in congested markets and places,” he explained.
He added that contact with infected animals especially their blood, urine, or body fluids puts people such as hunters and butchers at greater risk. “You are likely to get infected if you come into close or physical contact with people or animals carrying the virus,” he emphasized.
Dr. Baffour cautioned that everyone, regardless of profession or background, is at risk. However, people with compromised immunity, pregnant women, hunters, and healthcare workers are especially vulnerable.
“It is not scientifically accurate to single out one group. Anyone exposed to infected individuals or animals is at risk,” he said.
On prevention, he advised the public to avoid contact with sick or dead animals and ensure all bushmeat is well-cooked. He also confirmed that contact tracing is underway, and the Ministry of Health is applying COVID-era strategies like isolation and prompt reporting to contain the spread.
“Immediately you experience symptoms like headache, fatigue, flu, or rashes, report to the nearest health facility,” Dr. Baffour urged.