Brazil has now confirmed 90 cases of mpox in 2026, according to data from the Ministry of Health and state health departments.
The state of São Paulo accounts for the majority of confirmed cases, with 63. Rio de Janeiro has reported 15 cases, followed by Rondônia with 4, Rio Grande do Sul with 2, and Santa Catarina and the Federal District each reporting 1 case.
New cases have likewise been identified in Minas Gerais (3) and Paraná (1), states that were not previously reporting confirmed cases. This expansion highlights the ongoing spread of the virus within the country.
In addition to the confirmed cases, more than 180 suspected cases are currently under investigation nationwide. Of those, 57 have been ruled out after testing. São Paulo alone has over 70 cases awaiting definitive results.
The Ministry of Health stated it is continuously monitoring the situation and emphasized that the Unified Health System (SUS) is prepared to treat patients exhibiting symptoms and to quickly identify new cases to help contain transmission.
About mpox
Mpox is caused by a virus transmitted primarily through close, intimate contact with an infected person. Common symptoms include fever, headache, and skin lesions that appear as blisters or characteristic rashes. You can learn more about the virus here.
While there have been no reported deaths from mpox in Brazil this year, the disease can lead to serious complications in some cases. Estimates suggest that up to 10% of cases could be fatal, particularly without appropriate medical care. However, improvements in surveillance, diagnosis, and isolation strategies are helping to reduce these risks.
Mpox is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox. Transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with the skin of infected individuals, especially when lesions are present, but can also occur through contact with bodily fluids or by sharing personal items like towels and clothing.
The most common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and skin lesions, which typically begin on the face and may spread throughout the body.
Currently, treatment focuses on supportive care to relieve symptoms and prevent complications, as there is no specific medication approved for mpox. This approach underscores the importance of early detection and supportive care in managing the illness.
Individuals diagnosed with mpox should remain isolated until all lesions have fully healed, a period that can range from two to four weeks depending on the clinical course.
