Rio de Janeiro reports surge in mpox cases

The city of Rio de Janeiro has recorded 74 cases of mpox over a two-month period, with 45 cases in September and 29 in October. This volume is more than seven times the total recorded during the same period in 2025. Across the entire state of Rio de Janeiro, 269 cases have been confirmed between January and November 3, 2026, which is more than double the 119 cases reported throughout 2025.

Health authorities have reported no deaths related to the disease in either period. In response to the increase, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has reinforced the shipment of vaccines to the state. Minister of Health Alexandre Padilha stated that the federal government is maintaining active surveillance in partnership with local authorities.

Vaccination efforts remain focused on priority groups, including individuals living with HIV who have severely compromised immune systems, laboratory workers handling the virus, and individuals with a history of high-risk exposure to suspected or confirmed patients. Mpox is a viral disease transmitted through close contact with infected lesions, bodily fluids, respiratory secretions, or contaminated objects such as clothing and bedding.