Latest news with #Monkeypox
Free Malaysia Today
20 hours ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Ghana records first Mpox death as cases surge
Africa CDC figures released last week show over 47,000 confirmed Mpox cases across the continent since January last year. (EPA Images pic) ACCRA : Ghana has recorded its first death from Mpox, health authorities confirmed Sunday, amid a sharp rise in new infections in the West African country. Twenty-three new cases have been confirmed in the past week, bringing the total number of infections to 257 since the virus was first detected in Ghana in June 2022. The latest figure marks the highest weekly increase since the outbreak began and the first fatality recorded in the country. Health minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh told AFP 'that the situation is under control.' 'The key to limiting this outbreak is early detection and responsible behaviour,' Akandoh said. Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, is a viral infection related to smallpox, causing fever, body aches and distinct skin lesions and can be deadly. The disease spreads through close physical contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. A Ghanaian government agency responsible for public health is expected to receive vaccines from the World Health Organization this week. 'Our at-risk populations have already been identified, and we are ready to roll out vaccination as soon as doses arrive,' a director with the service, Franklyn Asiedu-Bekoe, told AFP. The outbreak in Ghana mirrors a broader trend across West Africa, where health officials are struggling to contain the disease. Thousands of cases have been recorded this year in the region, with Sierra Leone registering a total of 3,350 cases, including 16 deaths, from January to late May of this year. Elsewhere, thousands more cases have also been detected this year across DR Congo, Uganda and Burundi, according to WHO. Africa CDC figures released last week show over 47,000 confirmed cases and 221 deaths reported across the continent since January last year. At least 27,000 of those cases were recorded this year alone. Last month WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the virus remains an international health emergency amid the rise in West African cases.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Ghana records first Mpox death as cases surge
ACCRA: Ghana has recorded its first death from Mpox, health authorities confirmed Sunday, amid a sharp rise in new infections in the West African country. Twenty-three new cases have been confirmed in the past week, bringing the total number of infections to 257 since the virus was first detected in Ghana in June 2022. The latest figure marks the highest weekly increase since the outbreak began and the first fatality recorded in the country. Health minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh told AFP 'that the situation is under control.' Int'l passengers: First Mpox case of 2025 confirmed at Peshawar airport 'The key to limiting this outbreak is early detection and responsible behaviour,' Akandoh said. Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, is a viral infection related to smallpox, causing fever, body aches and distinct skin lesions and can be deadly. The disease spreads through close physical contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. A Ghanaian government agency responsible for public health is expected to receive vaccines from the World Health Organization this week. 'Our at-risk populations have already been identified, and we are ready to roll out vaccination as soon as doses arrive,' a director with the service, Franklyn Asiedu-Bekoe, told AFP. The outbreak in Ghana mirrors a broader trend across West Africa, where health officials are struggling to contain the disease. Thousands of cases have been recorded this year in the region, with Sierra Leone registering a total of 3,350 cases, including 16 deaths - from January to late May of this year. Elsewhere thousands more cases have also been detected this year across DR Congo, Uganda and Burundi, according to WHO. Africa CDC figures released last week show over 47,000 confirmed cases and 221 deaths reported across the continent since January last year. At least 27,000 of those cases were recorded this year alone. Last month WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the virus remains an international health emergency amid the rise in West African cases.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Warnings Issues to Americans Traveling to Three Destinations
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued two travel warnings, advising Americans to practice "enhanced precautions" when traveling to three countries. The CDC warned travelers of "confirmed and suspect cases" of diphtheria in the Kankan region of Guinea, as well as outbreaks of mpox in Liberia and Sierra Leone. "I would be most concerned about diphtheria," a medical expert told Newsweek in part. "Diphtheria was a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the past and especially in children under the age of 15 years of whom 5 to 10 percent died." The CDC, like the Department of State, releases travel warnings using a four-level system—with Level 1 indicating the lowest risk associated with the country, while Level 4 warns Americans not to go to a certain destination. Why It Matters Travel advisories highlight the need for Americans to stay aware and advised about the safety and health risks associated with countries when going abroad, particularly as diseases like mpox and diphtheria can spread rapidly and have significant health impacts if not properly managed. File photo: Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia, West Africa, seen from the top of the ruins of Hotel Ducor. File photo: Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia, West Africa, seen from the top of the ruins of Hotel Ducor. jbdodane/Getty Images What To Know Mpox, commonly known as Monkeypox, can be transmitted via close or intimate contact, including sexual activity, as well as from contaminated bedding, clothing, or dishware, and through contact with wild animals. Symptoms often include fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. There is an available vaccine for the disease, which the CDC has advised certain Americans to have. The CDC recommends that all travelers engaging in activities such as new sexual partnerships, massages, commercial sex venues, or large gatherings consider the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccination for Mpox a few weeks before travel. In its advisory on Sierra Leone and Liberia, the CDC said that outbreaks of Clade II mpox, one of the two types of mpox, have been confirmed in both countries. The outbreaks have affected both males and females equally, contrasting the 2022 global spread that primarily impacted men who have sex with men. Travelers are also advised to avoid contact with those who appear symptomatic and to avoid bushmeat or wild animal exposure. Meanwhile, diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can cause severe respiratory problems and, if untreated, may be fatal in serious cases. It is transmitted via respiratory droplets, i.e. coughing and sneezing, and skin contact. For those planning on visiting Guinea, especially in the Kankan region, the CDC has advised travelers to ensure their diphtheria vaccination is current and to discuss booster shots with their healthcare providers. Travelers should also observe strict hygiene protocols, including frequent handwashing and avoiding individuals with symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or fever. The CDC also emphasized rapid action if either illness develops during or after travel. Those feeling unwell upon their return from any of the three countries are urged to seek immediate medical care and inform medical personnel about recent travel history and vaccination status. What People Are Saying Dr Philip Chan, a professor of medicine at Brown University, Rhode Island, told Newsweek: "It's concerning that we're seeing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in some of these countries. The good news is that they are preventable with currently available vaccines. For people traveling to affected countries, I would recommend discussing with a physician and making sure you are vaccinated against these infections. "I would be most concerned about diphtheria. Diphtheria was a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the past and especially in children under the age of 15 years of whom 5 to 10 percent died. It's important for adults who are traveling to affected countries to make sure they are up to date on their diphtheria booster because immunity does wane over time in many adults. In general, if people are up to date with vaccinations and take reasonable precautions, such as avoiding contact with sick people, washing your hands, and others, then I wouldn't worry as much." What Happens Next The CDC will continue to monitor outbreaks and update advisories for different countries over the course of the year. Americans considering travel to Sierra Leone, Liberia, or Guinea should consult the latest CDC and State Department recommendations prior to booking travel, and prepare accordingly.
Sky News AU
20-07-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
Urgent alert issued after second ever Australian case of Clade 1 strain of monkeypox detected, Queensland Health confirm
An urgent health warning has been issued after a rare strain of monkeypox was detected from a returned overseas traveller in Queensland. Queensland Health confirmed the case of monkeypox was detected in the state's Metro South region with the patient being treated at Logan Hospital. Testing revealed it was a Clade 1 strain of the virus. This makes it the second confirmed case of the deadly strain to be detected in Australia. The case was detected from an overseas traveller with the risk to the wider community relatively low. Queensland Health confirmed exposure to the public had been limited with contact tracing taking place following the detection. Monkeypox is a viral infection with typically mild symptoms, including fever, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash or lesions. It spreads primarily through close or intimate contact. The Clade 1 strain is known to cause higher numbers of severe illnesses. Health Minister Tim Nicolls said the infection was acquired in central Africa. 'He was not contagious on the return journey to Australia from Africa and those close contacts that he has been in contact with, including at the emergency ward and in other locations, are being contact traced right now and identified," Mr Nicholls said. He said health authorities had identified 19 community contacts, including members of the man's family and 40 hospital staff contacts. Free Monkeypox vaccines are available to high-risk groups through GPs and sexual health clinics. Two doses are recommended for optimal protection. 'Vaccination is available for post-exposure prophylaxis as well as primary preventive vaccination. High risk groups, including all sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men and their partners, are eligible for free vaccines through sexual health clinics and general practitioners,' Mr Nicholls said. "Over a year ago there were some restrictions on the availability of the vaccine, but Queensland has ample supplies of the vaccine, and the vaccine is provided free of charge through sexual health clinics and some GPs." Monkeypox was first detected in Australia in May 2022. The first case of the Clade 1 strain was confirmed in New South Wales in May this year. Queensland Health is monitoring the situation.
Business Insider
18-06-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
Building systems that serve: Dr Adaeze's mission to transform Nigeria's healthcare from the ground up
As the Honourable Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, her leadership redefined what healthcare looks like at the grassroots. But her impact doesn't stop at state borders. From the halls of community clinics in Port Harcourt to the global stage in Geneva, Dr. Oreh is amplifying Nigeria's voice in shaping the future of public health. Dr. Oreh's philosophy is as clear as it is powerful: true healthcare reform starts from the bottom up. That vision has guided her work across clinical practice, national health systems, and global advocacy. In her role as Commissioner for Health, she has led transformative efforts under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara that have rapidly reshaped the health landscape of Rivers State. Together, their administration has overseen the commissioning and operationalisation of the Bori Zonal Hospital, Prof. Kelsey Harrison Specialist Hospital, Dental Maxillo-facial, ENT & Ophthalmology annex of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), expanded intensive care capacity at RSUTH, and multi-specialty centres providing ENT, ophthalmology, and dental care in underserved communities. The administration kicked off the state health insurance scheme in January 2024, and within a year, nearly 100,000 vulnerable persons had been enrolled – including pregnant women, children under five years, elderly, the poor within communities, persons with disabilities, and people living with HIV. Over 35 primary healthcare centres across the three senatorial zones had been renovated and equipped within one year of the administration, with a further 135 PHC revitalisation efforts ongoing, therefore ensuring that residents can access quality care closer to home. With solar-powered clinics, upgraded trauma and surgical units, expanded bed capacity, and advanced diagnostics infrastructure, the improvements represent more than just construction—they signal a new era of equity and access. Her innovations-approach extends to technology-driven solutions. Under her leadership, Rivers State has pioneered the development of an artificial intelligence-based Mpox (Monkeypox) identification tool, designed by the state team at the recently inaugurated Institute of Infectious Disease Research and Development to enhance infectious disease surveillance and reporting. The tool is particularly effective in remote locations, where access to specialist diagnostics is limited. The scalable platform is part of a broader effort to improve early detection, notification systems, and epidemic preparedness across the state—positioning Rivers State as a model for data-driven public health strategies in sub-Saharan Africa. Rivers State has also received national and regional awards for Primary Healthcare Leadership recognition earned through strategic public-private partnerships that support vaccine delivery, rural healthcare expansion, and family planning initiatives. Each intervention speaks to her unwavering belief that sustainable healthcare must be both people-centered and systemically sound. Dr. Oreh's credibility and expertise have earned her a seat at international policy tables. Most recently, she represented Nigeria at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva a pivotal gathering at a defining moment for global health. With the approval and adoption of the Pandemic Accord, Member States committed to preventing and responding to future health crises with renewed urgency and unity. 'As part of Nigeria's delegation, I'm honoured to bring our perspectives to the global stage—grounded in real-world experience, innovation, and a drive for resilient, equitable systems,' she stated. 'Together, we are shaping a healthier, more inclusive future.' Her academic journey reflects the same commitment to excellence. She is a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with dual Master's degrees in Public Health and International Health Management from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London. She is currently completing her doctoral research at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Her leadership training includes programs at the Harvard Kennedy School, the Harvard Chan School of Public Health, and the University of Oxford. Before becoming Commissioner, Dr. Oreh served as Country Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the National Blood Service Commission, where she played a key role in the passage of the National Blood Service Commission Act (2021). Her deep knowledge of policy reform and healthcare systems informs her work today in championing access, affordability, and public trust in health governance. Her advocacy extends to women's health, reproductive rights, and community welfare. Through her Kaibeya Care Foundation and advisory roles in multiple non-profit organizations, she supports orphans, widows, prisoners, and underserved groups across Nigeria. As a National Self-Care Champion for Sexual and Reproductive Health with the White Ribbon Alliance, she has been a vocal proponent of bodily autonomy, safe motherhood, and gender equity in healthcare. She is also unafraid to confront the intersection of health and economic inequality. Whether engaging with public discourse on topics like fertility options, reproductive technologies, or maternal health, she consistently emphasizes the role of economic empowerment and systemic reform in enabling true health autonomy especially for women. Dr. Oreh has earned fellowships and accolades from the Aspen Institute, the Amujae Leaders Initiative of Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, and the Kofi Annan Foundation's Global Health Leadership program. She is a recognized voice across multiple global platforms, yet remains deeply grounded in the realities of Nigerian communities. In every role she occupies clinician, policymaker, advocate, or public speaker Dr. Adaeze Oreh is modeling a kind of leadership that is bold, compassionate, and unshakably people-focused. As Nigeria confronts the complexities of healthcare delivery in a fast-changing world, her work reminds us that lasting change begins not in theory, but in action clinic by clinic, community by community, and policy by policy.
