Ceuta confirms first mpox case in 13-year-old minor

The Instituto de Salud Carlos III has confirmed the first case of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in Ceuta. The patient is a 13-year-old Moroccan minor who arrived in the autonomous city during mass arrivals in late July. The minor is currently isolated in a reception center and receiving medical treatment.

This detection marks the first mpox case in Ceuta since the outbreak began in Spain in April 2022, leaving Melilla as the only Spanish territory without a reported case. Health officials have activated protocols to monitor close contacts and prevent further transmission.

The mpox diagnosis comes amid broader health concerns in Ceuta. Local medical professionals have reported increased pressure on the healthcare system, noting cases of chickenpox, tuberculosis, and scabies. Some medical representatives have expressed concern regarding the sanitary conditions in migrant settlements, describing them as potential breeding grounds for infectious diseases due to overcrowding and lack of hygiene.