Mpox Cases in Ceará, Brazil: An Update

Health authorities in the state of Ceará, Brazil, are monitoring a modest increase in Mpox cases in 2026. As of March 20, 2026, three cases have been confirmed, with ongoing investigations into additional suspected infections.

Current Situation in Ceará

The Ceará State Health Secretariat (Sesa) reported the third confirmed case of Mpox on Friday, March 20, 2026, through the Integra SUS platform. This follows the confirmation of the first case on March 10, 2026, and a second case confirmed on March 16, 2026.

As of March 20, 2026, the state has recorded:

• 29 cases reported
• 3 confirmed cases
• 24 cases discarded
• 2 suspected cases

Details of Confirmed Cases

The first confirmed case in 2026 involved a 37-year-old Caucasian man who completed secondary education. He received medical care and experienced a favorable clinical outcome. No information has been released regarding the age or sex of the second or third confirmed cases.

The second confirmed case, detected in March but pertaining to an infection in February, highlights the ongoing, albeit limited, circulation of the virus.

Transmission and Diagnosis

Mpox is primarily transmitted through direct person-to-person contact with skin lesions, body fluids (such as pus or blood from lesions), or through close and prolonged exposure to respiratory droplets.

Diagnosis is confirmed through laboratory testing, specifically molecular testing or genetic sequencing, using material collected from skin lesions. Samples are sent to reference laboratories in Brazil for analysis.

Previous Cases in Ceará

In 2025, Ceará recorded 13 confirmed cases of Mpox, while in 2024, the total was 24 confirmed cases.

Preventive Measures

The Secretaria da Saúde do Ceará (Sesa) recommends the following preventive measures:

• Avoid direct contact with individuals suspected or confirmed to have Mpox.
• Practice good hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Employ a protective mask covering the nose and mouth in risky situations or when experiencing symptoms.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and implement preventative measures to control the spread of Mpox in Ceará.