Ms Linda Adjapong, the Tema Metro Pest and Disease Control Officer, has cautioned the public against the belief that bathing with sea water can cure Mpox, describing the claim as false and dangerous.  

Ms Adjapong stressed that the practice had no scientific basis and might expose people to additional health risks. 

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), she explained that Mpox was a viral disease that spreads mainly through close physical contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, or infected animals, noting that there was no evidence that sea water could kill the virus or prevent infection. 

She said a community assessment revealed that some members of the public have recently been seen bathing in the sea with the hope of curing suspected symptoms, adding that the trend was driven by misinformation and fear rather than medical advice.  

Ms Adjapong warned that relying on such methods could delay proper diagnosis and treatment, leading to further spread of the disease, explaining that Mpox required appropriate medical attention and public health measures.  

Some public health measures included early reporting of symptoms, isolation of suspected cases, and adherence to guidance from health professionals, emphasising that treatment focused on managing symptoms and preventing complications and not on unproven traditional practices. 

She also cautioned that bathing with sea water could expose individuals to other infections, urging Ghanaians to rely on information from the Ghana Health Service and other credible health authorities, to prevent exacerbating situations and putting communities at risk. 

The Pest and Disease Control Officer appealed to Ghanaians to adopt hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people with strange rashes or flu-like symptoms, and not sharing personal items such as towels or bedding. 

She encouraged people who suspected they might have been exposed to Mpox to report to the nearest health facility promptly for care. –GNA 

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Any persistent cough lasting more than two weeks should raise suspicion of tuberculosis (TB), a physician specialist at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), Dr Woedem Tettey, has cautioned.

She said individuals who also experience unexplained weight loss, recurrent night sweats and difficulty in breathing should promptly seek medical attention and test for TB.

Dr Tettey gave the advice in an interview with The Spectator at a TB capacity-building workshop for journalists in Accra last Thursday.

Although TB is curable, she noted that delayed diagnosis could lead to serious health complications.

“The earlier the disease is detected, the better the outcome,” she said, explaining that prolonged untreated infection allows the bacteria to cause extensive damage to the lungs and other organs.

Dr Tettey said the lungs were the most affected by TB but the disease could also damage other parts of the body, including the spine, lymph nodes, kidneys and the brain.

“So if someone has been coughing for two weeks and is diagnosed early, that person stands a better chance of avoiding complications than someone who has been coughing for a whole year before it is picked up,” she explained.

She emphasised that early diagnosis, adherence to treatment and completion of medication greatly improved survival and recovery.

Dr Tettey also cautioned the public against stigmatising or discriminating against people diagnosed with TB, stressing that the disease was both preventable and curable.

“TB is in the air, so we are all at risk. That is why it is a public health issue. But with appropriate treatment and strict compliance with medication, a person can be cured and live a normal life,” she said.

Tuberculosis is a contagious airborne disease caused mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs. It spreads when people with active TB cough, sneeze or spit, releasing the bacteria into the air.

Health experts advise the public to practise proper cough etiquette, including covering the mouth and nose when coughing, and to seek medical care early when symptoms persist.

By Abigail Annoh

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