Mpox Cases Rise in Brazil, São Paulo Reports Highest Number of Diagnoses

As of March 9, 2026, Brazil has reported a total of 140 Mpox diagnoses for the year, with 539 suspected cases, according to data from the Ministry of Health’s monitoring panel. No deaths have been reported in 2026.

Recent Case Numbers

The number of Mpox diagnoses has been steadily increasing in March. Eleven diagnoses were reported in the first nine days of the month, following 68 cases in January and 70 in February.

Regional Distribution

São Paulo state has been the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 73 confirmed cases since January. Other states with reported cases include:

• Rio de Janeiro: 18
• Minas Gerais: 11
• Rondônia: 11
• Rio Grande do Norte: 3
• Rio Grande do Sul: 3
• Santa Catarina: 3
• Paraná: 2
• Amazonas: 1
• Ceará: 1
• Federal District: 1
• Pará: 1
• Sergipe: 1

About Mpox

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease belonging to the same genus as human smallpox, though generally less lethal. Transmission to humans can occur through contact with infected individuals or animals, or through contaminated materials.

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of Mpox include:

• Rash or skin lesions
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Headache
• Body pain
• Chills
• Weakness

Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek evaluation at a health unit.

*With information from Agência Brasil