[REVISION HISTORY]

Mpox outbreak and vaccine response in Rio de Janeiro

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2026-11-07 02:16 UTC → 2026-11-07 15:10 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The state of Rio de Janeiro has experienced a significant increase in Mpox cases in 2026. By early November, state-wide confirmed cases reached 269, more than double the 119 cases reported throughout 2025. In the capital city, a sharp spike was noted with 45 cases in September and 29 in October, representing a sevenfold increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Health authorities have reported no deaths related to the disease. In response to the surge, Brazil’s Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, announced that the federal government would reinforce the vaccine supply to the state to control the increase and prepare for year-end crowds. As of early November, the Ministry has already sent 2,000 additional doses to Rio de Janeiro, bringing the state's total for the year to 3,500 doses. The Rio de Janeiro Municipal Health Secretariat has since resumed vaccination efforts using these doses. To prevent future shortages and prepare for potential epidemiological changes, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has authorized the acquisition of up to 20,000 vaccine doses through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Revolving Fund. This measure aims to reinforce the strategic stocks of the Unified Health System (SUS). While Brazil has seen 665 confirmed cases in 2026, a 94% decrease compared to the more than 10,000 cases recorded in 2022, certain regions continue to experience increases. Vaccination efforts remain focused on high-risk groups. Medical experts, including infectious disease specialist Carolina Lázari, state that mass vaccination is currently unnecessary. The national ~~immunization~~ strategy prioritizes individuals living with HIV/AIDS who have a CD4 lymphocyte count below 100 cells/mm³, as they are most vulnerable to severe disease. Other priority groups include those with CD4 counts below 200 cells/mm³, PrEP users, and laboratory professionals. The vaccination schedule requires two doses administered 28 days apart.

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