A 19-year-old female patient hospitalized at Rafael Fernandes Hospital in Mossoró, located in the West region of Rio Grande do Norte, was tested for mpox after exhibiting viral symptoms and skin lesions. The suspected diagnosis led to a series of tests conducted at a private clinic, and the results were confirmed by the state health authority, indicating no mpox cases have been recorded in the state as of February 25, 2023.

The young patient entered the Emergency Care Unit in São Manoel on February 20, where medical staff raised a suspicion of mpox infection due to her symptoms. The quick turnaround of test results emphasizes the healthcare system's response in monitoring and managing potential mpox cases. Mpox is a viral disease characterized by fever and skin lesions that can develop into blisters and sores, primarily transmitted through direct contact with lesions or contaminated objects.

The Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte has effectively ruled out mpox cases, reflecting proactive measures in public health surveillance. With ongoing awareness and testing, health officials aim to keep the transmission in check and prevent outbreaks, fostering a safer environment for residents as they recover from the recent epidemic concerns surrounding various viral diseases in 2023.