The Health Department of Paraná announced on Wednesday that it has recorded its first case of mpox for the year 2026, involving a Paraguayan man who sought medical attention in the city of Foz do Iguaçu. This marks a continuation of monitoring for mpox, a disease related to smallpox, as Brazil has reported a rising number of confirmed cases in recent years. The presence of mpox in the region underscores the necessity for public health vigilance and response strategies to manage potential outbreaks.

In the past two years, Paraná has seen a total of 93 mpox cases, with 44 cases in 2025 and 49 cases in 2024, predominantly affecting men. The disease is transmitted primarily through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects, making awareness and preventive measures critical. Health authorities are urging the population to stay alert for symptoms, particularly as most cases tend to present with mild symptoms while those with weakened immune systems face greater risks of complications.

As of 2026, Brazil has confirmed a total of 88 mpox cases, with two more under investigation. Health Secretary Beto Preto emphasized the importance of ongoing surveillance by state agencies as they monitor these cases. Public health efforts are essential to ensure the community remains informed and prepared to address this viral threat, aiming to mitigate any potential outbreaks effectively.