Health officials in the Nkwanta North District of the Oti Region have confirmed the area’s first case of mpox, raising concerns among residents as authorities move swiftly to prevent further spread.

The patient, who recently traveled from the Accra Konkomba market, began showing symptoms consistent with the viral disease, including fever and skin rashes.

Health officers immediately placed the individual under medical review, and subsequent tests confirmed the presence of mpox.

District Health Director, Eric Kojo Agboka, disclosed the case at a press briefing, noting that the confirmation comes at a time when the world is still grappling with rising infections.

Following the confirmation, the District Health Directorate has begun tracing individuals who may have come into close contact with the patient.

District Chief Executive (DCE) for Nkwanta North, Isaiah Dordoe, has appealed for calm while urging residents to remain vigilant. 

He affirmed the Assembly's commitment to support the health directorate to ensure the disease did not spread.

Mr. Dordoe further stressed the importance of community cooperation, calling on locals to promptly report unusual symptoms to health authorities.

The Nkwanta North District Health Directorate says it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates to the public as measures are enforced to contain the disease.