Health authorities in Ghana have confirmed the first death from the monkeypox virus.
The infected person was a military officer who died three days after going to hospital in north-eastern Ghana.
The deceased had exhibited symptoms of fever and skin rash.
Thirteen people who are believed to have interacted with the deceased are in isolation and are currently being monitored.
Health authorities say they have initiated the necessary measures, including heightened surveillance and awareness creation, to contain the spread of the virus.
Ghana has so far recorded over 30 cases of the virus in seven regions of the country.
However, more than 50% of the cases have been recorded in Greater Accra, the region of the country’s capital.
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, weakness and skin rash.
It is transmitted from animals to humans and spread among people through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.
People have been urged to practice regular handwashing and avoid direct contact with infected persons or animals.
The World Health Organization recently designated the disease as a public health emergency of international concern.
