Brazil has recorded 90 confirmed cases of Mpox in the first two months of 2026, with the Ministry of Health classifying 8 states under "maximum alert." A new global variant of the virus has been identified internationally, though its presence in Brazilian territory has not yet been confirmed. São Paulo concentrates most infections, followed by Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and southern states.
While numbers are significantly below those recorded in the same period of 2025 — when Brazil counted 1,079 cases and two deaths — the continuous circulation of the virus and the emergence of a potentially more transmissible new variant keep health authorities on alert.
What is Mpox: Understanding the Virus
Mpox (formerly called "monkeypox") is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV), belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus of the Poxviridae family — the same family as the human smallpox virus, eradicated in 1980.
Despite its popular name, the virus has no exclusive relationship with monkeys. It was first identified in 1958 in primate colonies maintained in a Danish laboratory, but its natural reservoir is African rodents.
Mpox Clades (Variants)
| Clade | Origin | Lethality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clade I | Congo Basin | 3-10% | More severe, includes subclade Ib |
| Clade II | West Africa | <1% | Responsible for 2022-2023 global outbreak and most Brazilian cases |
The Situation in Brazil: Numbers and Distribution
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Confirmed cases | 90 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Suspected cases under investigation | 180+ |
| States with cases | 8 |
| States under "maximum alert" | 8 |
| 2025 comparison (same period) | 1,079 cases, 2 deaths |
| State | Alert Level | Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| São Paulo | 🔴 Maximum | Highest |
| Rio de Janeiro | 🔴 Maximum | High |
| Minas Gerais | 🔴 Maximum | Moderate |
| Paraná | 🔴 Maximum | Moderate |
| Santa Catarina | 🔴 Maximum | Moderate |
| Rio Grande do Sul | 🔴 Maximum | Moderate |
| Rondônia | 🔴 Maximum | Low |
| Distrito Federal | 🔴 Maximum | Low |
Symptoms: How to Recognize Mpox
The incubation period ranges from 5 to 21 days. Symptoms manifest in two phases:
Phase 1 — Invasion (0-5 days): High fever, intense headache, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes — an important differential), muscle and back pain, extreme fatigue, chills.
Phase 2 — Skin Eruption (1-3 days after fever):
- Macule (flat red spot) → 2-5mm
- Papule (solid elevation) → 3-8mm
- Vesicle (clear fluid blister) → 5-10mm
- Pustule (pus-filled blister) → 6-12mm
- Scab (dry crust that eventually falls off)
Transmission: How the Virus Spreads
| Transmission Route | Risk | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Skin-to-skin contact | 🔴 High | Direct contact with lesions, scabs or body fluids |
| Sexual contact | 🔴 High | Main transmission route in 2022-2026 outbreak |
| Contaminated items | 🟡 Moderate | Bedding, towels, personal objects |
| Respiratory droplets | 🟡 Moderate | Prolonged face-to-face contact (>3 hours) |
| Mother to child | 🟡 Moderate | Vertical transmission during pregnancy/birth |
Prevention: How to Protect Yourself
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with people showing suspicious rashes
- Hand hygiene — wash with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
- Don't share personal items with infected individuals
- Use condoms — reduce (but don't eliminate) sexual transmission risk
- Isolation — if diagnosed, isolate until all lesions fully heal
Vaccination
The JYNNEOS vaccine (Imvanex in Europe) is approved for Mpox prevention. In Brazil, vaccination is available for healthcare workers, high-risk individuals, HIV patients, and close contacts of confirmed cases. The complete schedule is 2 doses 28 days apart with ~85% efficacy.
The New Variant: What We Know
The new global Mpox variant identified in 2026 features:
- Surface protein mutations that may increase affinity for human cell receptors
- Potentially shorter incubation period (average 7 days vs. 12 days)
- Possible partial resistance to JYNNEOS vaccine antibodies (preliminary data)
- Similar clinical severity — doesn't appear to cause more severe disease
Mpox vs Smallpox vs Chickenpox: How to Differentiate
| Feature | Mpox | Smallpox | Chickenpox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swollen lymph nodes | ✅ Yes (differential) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Lesion distribution | Face, hands, feet, genitals | Generalized, uniform | Trunk mainly |
| Lesion stage | All at same stage | All at same stage | Multiple stages simultaneously |
| Duration | 2-4 weeks | 3-4 weeks | 4-7 days |
| Lethality | <1% (Clade II) | ~30% (eradicated) | <0.01% |
Conclusion: Vigilance Without Panic
With 90 confirmed cases and zero deaths, Brazil's Mpox situation in 2026 is concerning but not alarming. Numbers are dramatically lower than 2025. However, continuous virus circulation and emerging variants demand constant attention.
The best defense is quality information. Know how to recognize symptoms, understand how to protect yourself, and seek medical care if you suspect infection.
