Health officials in Santander, Colombia, are monitoring a small but concerning increase in monkeypox (mpox) cases. As of , two cases have been confirmed, with four more considered probable, and one currently under investigation. The first confirmed case of 2026 in the region was reported on , with a second confirmed case identified in Piedecuesta.
The recent cases are prompting a renewed focus on preventative measures. The Santander Department of Health has issued guidance emphasizing the importance of avoiding close contact with individuals exhibiting suspicious lesions, refraining from sharing personal items, frequent handwashing with soap and water, and covering any lesions that may appear. Individuals experiencing symptoms are urged to seek medical attention promptly.
Understanding Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a viral infection historically endemic to several central and western African countries. While typically mild, the illness can cause a characteristic rash that progresses through distinct stages – from flat lesions to fluid-filled blisters, and finally to scabs – accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes. The current global outbreak involves two distinct clades, or types, of the virus: clade I and clade II.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since , ten cases of clade I monkeypox have been reported in the United States. These cases were linked to recent travel to areas in Central and Eastern Africa experiencing an outbreak, or to contact with individuals who had traveled from those regions. Globally, there have been over 46,000 cases of clade I monkeypox related to the outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa.
Clade II monkeypox continues to circulate worldwide at lower levels. The CDC noted an increase in U.S. Cases of clade II during the summer of , some of which were linked to outbreaks in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and other West African countries.
The Situation in Colombia
The cases in Santander follow a pattern observed in , when the region reported 16 confirmed cases, primarily concentrated in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga. These earlier cases predominantly affected men aged between 24 and 64 years. While the current number of cases is lower than the same period last year, health authorities are maintaining vigilance.
The virus can be transmitted through close contact, including face-to-face interaction or skin-to-skin contact. It can also spread through contact with bodily fluids. The virus can enter a healthy person’s body through small breaks in the skin or via the respiratory tract through droplets.
Potential Complications
While most individuals recover from monkeypox within a few weeks without specific treatment, complications can occur. According to medical resources like the Mayo Clinic, these can include secondary infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. In some cases, the virus can lead to more serious issues such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or vision loss. Lesions occurring in the genital area can also cause significant pain requiring hospitalization.
The Department of Health in Santander emphasizes that anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and supportive care can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Preventative Measures
The Secretary of Health for Santander, Edwin Antonio Prada Ramírez, is urging the community to reinforce preventative measures. These include avoiding direct contact with individuals displaying suspicious lesions, avoiding the sharing of personal objects, practicing frequent hand hygiene, and covering any lesions that develop.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to implement further public health interventions if necessary. The current focus remains on early detection, contact tracing, and providing clear guidance to the public to minimize the risk of further transmission.
