Health authorities in Paraíba are currently investigating a case involving a 19-year-old tourist from Rio Grande do Norte (RN) who is suspected of having contracted mpox. The young woman exhibited symptoms after returning from a trip to João Pessoa, and is now hospitalized in Mossoró. The symptom onset raises concerns about the timing of exposure versus the development of the illness, as health officials note that symptoms typically manifest 3 to 16 days after exposure to the virus.

The young woman was admitted to the local emergency care unit (UPA) on February 20, presenting with viral symptoms and skin lesions indicative of a possible mpox infection. Notably, she had been in João Pessoa until February 18, which brings up questions about her potential exposure to the virus. João Pessoa's health department maintains that the time frame for symptom emergence does not align with her stay, emphasizing that typically, symptom onset would occur later if she had contracted the virus during her trip.

As of February 25, there have been no confirmed cases of mpox in Paraíba, although the state's health department has reported two suspected cases. Ongoing surveillance aims to clarify the origin of the young woman's condition and ensure that proper health measures are in place to prevent any potential spread of the virus. The health department continues to monitor the situation closely as further assessments are carried out to determine the necessary course of action and potential public health implications.