Mpox Cases Rise in Brazil and Espírito Santo in 2026

Brazil is experiencing a resurgence of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in 2026, with Espírito Santo state confirming its first case of the year in Colatina. This development comes as the country reports a total of 88 confirmed cases since the beginning of the year, according to the Ministry of Health.

First Case in Espírito Santo

The confirmed case in Espírito Santo was identified in Colatina, located in the Northwest Region of the state. The State Department of Health (Sesa) reports an additional 14 notifications are under investigation, with one still pending analysis and 13 having been ruled out. Watch the report here.

National Mpox Statistics in 2026

As of February 26, 2026, Brazil has recorded 88 confirmed cases of mpox. The majority of these cases are concentrated in São Paulo, accounting for 62 occurrences since January. Other states reporting cases include Rio de Janeiro (15), Rondônia (4), Minas Gerais (3), Rio Grande do Sul (2), Paraná (1) and the Federal District (1).

Past Mpox Trends in Brazil

In 2025, Brazil reported a significantly higher number of cases, with 1,079 confirmed infections and two fatalities. Espírito Santo alone recorded 229 notifications, resulting in 39 confirmations, three suspected cases, and 170 discarded cases during the same period.

How Mpox Spreads

Mpox is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, including close interactions like talking or breathing. The virus can also spread through skin-to-skin contact – encompassing touching, kissing, and sexual intercourse – and by sharing contaminated items such as clothing, towels, and bedding.

Treatment and Risk Factors

Currently, treatment for mpox focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications, as there is no specific approved medication for the disease. Most cases result in mild to moderate illness. Though, newborns, children, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe complications, including extensive skin lesions, secondary infections, encephalitis, myocarditis, pneumonia, and eye problems. Severe cases may require hospitalization and intensive care.

Mpox and Vulnerable Populations

Research indicates that people living with HIV (PLWH) and those using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are disproportionately affected by mpox. A study conducted in Brazil found that 54.4% of mpox cases involved PLWH, and 32% involved PrEP users. Read the study here. PrEP users tended to have lesions primarily on the genitals, while PLWH experienced more widespread extragenital involvement.