Three new cases of mpox have been confirmed in Passo Fundo, Brazil, raising the total number of diagnosed cases to three for the year 2024. According to the Secretaria Estadual da Saúde (SES), these latest diagnoses occurred within December, following the initial case reported back in July.
The recent cases involve two men aged 30 and 31, who are related and had recently traveled to Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, where they came in contact with individuals from other countries. The SES reported, "Os pacientes têm relação e estiveram em Florianópolis (SC), onde entraram em contato com pessoas de outros países." Thankfully, both patients are currently stable and show no signs of complications.
The first case of mpox reported in Passo Fundo was recorded earlier this year, involving a 28-year-old man who contracted the virus after traveling to São Paulo. Similar to the new patients, he was also infected with the older strain known as "clado 2," which has been circulating in Brazil since 2022. The SES noted, "Os três pacientes são homens entre 28 e 31 anos. De acordo com a SES, as contaminações se deram pela cepa antiga 'clado 2', que circula no país desde 2022."
Currently, Rio Grande do Sul has recorded 21 confirmed cases of mpox as of December 20, 2024. The distribution of these cases includes 11 identified in Porto Alegre, 4 in Gravataí, 3 in Passo Fundo, and 1 each in Alvorada, Canoas, and São Luiz Gonzaga. Despite the increase in cases across the state, there has been a notable decline nationwide, with Brazil reporting nearly 2,000 confirmed mpox cases this year—a significant drop from over 10,000 cases at the height of the outbreak during 2022.
Mpox, previously referred to as "monkeypox," was first identified in humans back in 1970 in what is now called the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The illness can be transmitted from animals to humans and through close contact with infected individuals. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and skin lesions. The SES has emphasized monitoring of current cases and the importance of precautionary measures, especially during travels and instances of close contact with people from abroad.
The emergence of new mpox variants is concerning, especially the recently identified Clade 1b, which prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global health emergency due to its increased lethality. The Secretary of Health has advised vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent the spread of this viral disease.
While healthcare authorities continue to investigate and address the recent spate of mpox cases, the public is urged to remain informed and cautious, ensuring personal safety and community health as priorities.
Efforts to manage the spread of mpox are being reinforced following several recent cases, underscoring the need for awareness and proactive measures. With proper information and community engagement, the potential for outbreaks can be minimized as Brazil navigates these health challenges.
