First Monkeypox Case Reported in Antioquia, Colombia

Colombia has reported its first confirmed case of mpox, marking the virus’s arrival in the South American nation after months of regional surveillance. The case was identified in the Antioquia department, specifically in the city of Medellín, according to an official statement from Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MinSalud). This development follows a global uptick in mpox cases driven primarily by the Clade I variant, which has raised concerns among public health officials due to its increased transmissibility and potential for severe outcomes.

The patient, whose identity has not been disclosed for privacy reasons, is a male adult who presented with symptoms consistent with mpox, including fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy. Laboratory testing conducted at Colombia’s National Institute of Health confirmed the presence of the monkeypox virus through PCR analysis. Health authorities have initiated contact tracing and are monitoring close contacts for signs of infection. The individual is currently in isolation and receiving medical care in accordance with national protocols.

MinSalud emphasized that the detection of this case does not indicate widespread community transmission at this time. Officials stated that the country’s surveillance system, strengthened during the 2022–2023 global mpox outbreak, enabled rapid identification and response. Colombia has maintained diagnostic capacity in regional laboratories and continues to coordinate with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on case reporting and guidance.

The confirmed case in Antioquia involves infection with the Clade I variant of the monkeypox virus, which has been associated with more severe clinical outcomes compared to the Clade IIb variant that drove the 2022 global outbreak. Clade I is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa and has recently been linked to outbreaks in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries. Its detection in Colombia raises concerns about potential importation through travel or epidemiological links to affected regions.

According to the WHO, Clade I mpox has demonstrated higher fatality rates in past outbreaks, particularly among children and immunocompromised individuals. While global case numbers remain relatively low compared to peak levels in 2022, the geographic spread of Clade I has prompted renewed vigilance. Health authorities stress that vaccination, where available, remains a key preventive measure, especially for high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, individuals with multiple sexual partners, and those with compromised immune systems.

Colombia has not yet launched a nationwide mpox vaccination campaign but maintains stockpiles of vaccines through international mechanisms. The Ministry of Health has advised healthcare providers to remain alert for atypical rashes or febrile illnesses consistent with mpox and to report suspected cases immediately. Public messaging focuses on avoiding close physical contact with individuals showing symptoms and practicing good hand hygiene.

Neighboring countries in Latin America have reported sporadic mpox cases in recent months, though most have been linked to travel or known outbreaks elsewhere. Brazil, Peru, and Mexico have each confirmed isolated cases in 2024 and early 2025, primarily involving the Clade IIb variant. The detection of Clade I in Colombia represents a notable shift in the epidemiological pattern and may prompt reassessment of regional risk assessments.

Ongoing investigations are underway to determine the likely source of exposure for the Colombian patient. Health officials are reviewing travel history, potential contacts, and possible links to known outbreaks. Genomic sequencing of the virus sample is being conducted to further characterize the strain and assess its relationship to circulating variants in Africa and other regions. Results are expected within the coming weeks.

While the single case does not constitute an outbreak, public health experts warn that delayed detection or inadequate response could allow for silent transmission, particularly in populations with limited access to healthcare or stigma-related barriers to seeking care. Continued surveillance, timely reporting, and community engagement remain critical to preventing further spread. Colombia’s experience during previous infectious disease events, including dengue and Zika outbreaks, has strengthened its public health infrastructure, which officials say is now being leveraged for mpox preparedness.

The Ministry of Health has reiterated that mpox remains a low-risk concern for the general population under current conditions but urges vigilance among at-risk groups. No travel restrictions or border measures have been implemented in response to the case. Instead, the focus remains on early detection, isolation of cases, and protection of vulnerable individuals through informed public health practices.