The municipal government of São José do Rio Preto in São Paulo state has confirmed the first case of Mpox in 2026. The patient is a male aged between 30 and 39 who began experiencing symptoms on February 18, with a positive confirmation for Mpox received on February 27. Details about the patient's health status have not been disclosed, prompting community concerns about the disease's implications.

Mpox is a viral disease closely related to smallpox, which was eradicated in 1980, although Mpox itself is less common and generally less severe. Transmission primarily occurs through direct contact with infected skin lesions, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects, as well as prolonged close physical contact. Common symptoms include fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and skin lesions, making the disease a public health concern that requires monitoring and awareness.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Mpox as a viral disease of significant concern, especially in the context of public health frameworks established for infectious diseases. Health authorities are expected to take measures to inform the public and ensure appropriate actions are being taken to manage the situation, including community education on prevention and recognition of symptoms.