The State Health Department of Minas Gerais (SES-MG) has reported the first case of mpox in the Midwest region of Brazil for the year 2026, involving a 36-year-old resident of Formiga. This confirmation was made public on January 24th and brings attention to the re-emergence of mpox, a disease caused by the monkeypox virus, known for its symptoms similar to those of smallpox, such as skin lesions, fever, and body aches.

The patient, who had recently traveled to Rio de Janeiro in early January, began experiencing symptoms including fever, malaise, diarrhea, and vesicular lesions shortly after returning home on January 12th. Following the onset of these troubling symptoms, the individual sought specialized medical attention in infectious diseases, where a clinical assessment led to the decision to test for mpox. A sample was taken for testing on January 21st, and the positive result was confirmed just days later.

This case highlights the importance of monitoring and controlling mpox, especially in the context of international travel which can lead to the spread of infectious diseases across regions. Public health authorities are likely to ramp up education and preventative measures to mitigate any potential outbreaks, stressing the need for vigilance among travelers and healthcare providers in recognizing and reporting suspected cases.