Ceará has confirmed a second case of mpox as of February 16, 2026, according to the monitoring platform IntegraSUS. This case, like the first, was recorded in the city of Fortaleza. The health authorities are currently tracking 27 suspected cases of mpox in total, with 17 of these already being ruled out, 2 confirmed, and 8 still undergoing laboratory analysis. The first confirmed case of mpox in 2026 involved a patient aged between 30 to 39 years old.

In 2025, Ceará reported a total of 13 confirmed mpox cases, while 2024 saw an increase with 24 confirmed instances. Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus, spreads through close contact with lesions, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials, resulting in symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and painful skin eruptions. The ongoing surveillance and analysis of suspected cases are crucial for understanding the spread and management of this infectious disease.

Preventive measures against mpox have been discussed by local health officials, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early detection in controlling outbreaks. Health authorities are likely to continue monitoring the situation closely, especially since these two cases have emerged within the same city. The implications of these cases highlight the need for robust public health strategies to mitigate the spread of mpox, particularly in urban areas like Fortaleza.