The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a strong warning to the general public to refrain from engaging in sexual intercourse with individuals suspected of contracting monkeypox.
Health authorities explained that the disease, also known as Mpox, which spreads easily through direct body contact, poses a risk of transmission during intimate physical interactions.
The GHS has, therefore, urged people to be cautious, especially with partners who display symptoms similar to measles and other skin-related infections.
The caution follows reports that 117 confirmed cases of mpox have been recorded across the country as of June 20, 2025, raising public health concerns over the possible further spread of the virus.
In an interview, the Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe, advised the public to avoid kissing individuals who are suspected of having mpox.
Avoid sex and kiss to stop mpox spread
“We are urging the public to refrain from engaging in sexual activities with individuals who may have symptoms of mpox or skin diseases resembling measles and other infections,” Dr. Asiedu Bekoe stated.
“This is to prevent the risk of transmitting the virus, which spreads through close body contact,” Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe added.
According to him, such acts involve close body contact, which could facilitate the transmission of the disease.
Dr. Asiedu Bekoe also warned against kissing people suspected to be infected with mpox.
“Kissing involves direct contact with the skin or mouth, and this can facilitate the spread of the virus. We strongly advise against such practices with suspected cases,” he cautioned.
Minimize physical contact to avoid mpox
He further urged the public to minimize any form of physical contact with persons exhibiting rashes or other skin lesions typical of mpox.
“If someone shows signs of this disease or has similar skin conditions, it is best to avoid any form of close contact until they are properly diagnosed and treated,” he advised.
Mpox disease
Mpox is a viral disease caused by an orthopox virus called the monkeypox virus. It spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has the infection, causing a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever, which can make people very sick and leave scars.
The disease mainly spreads from person to person through close contact and occurs through exposure to bodily fluids; lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, respiratory particles, and contaminated objects.
