Mpox Case Confirmed in Porto Alegre Ahead of Carnival: Health Alert Issued
- As the vibrant celebrations of Carnival begin in Porto Alegre, Brazil, health officials are reminding residents and visitors that Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, remains a public health...
- The confirmed case involves a Porto Alegre resident who contracted the virus outside of Rio Grande do Sul state.
- Mpox is caused by the Mpox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the same genus as the variola virus, the agent that causes smallpox.
As the vibrant celebrations of Carnival begin in Porto Alegre, Brazil, health officials are reminding residents and visitors that Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, remains a public health concern. A confirmed case has been identified in the city ahead of the festivities, prompting a renewed call for vigilance and preventative measures. , the Vigilância Epidemiológica issued guidance to minimize risk during Carnival.
The confirmed case involves a Porto Alegre resident who contracted the virus outside of Rio Grande do Sul state. This follows 11 confirmed cases in the capital city during 2025, according to local health authorities. While the overall risk remains relatively low, health officials emphasize the importance of awareness and proactive steps to protect both individuals and the wider community.
How Mpox Spreads
Mpox is caused by the Mpox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the same genus as the variola virus, the agent that causes smallpox. The virus was first discovered in 1958 during research on monkeys in Denmark, though it can also be found in other animals, particularly rodents. Transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with skin lesions, respiratory droplets, and saliva. The virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth).
According to the Ministry of Health, transmission can occur in three main ways: contact with an infected person, contact with materials contaminated with the virus, and contact with infected wild animals, particularly rodents. Prolonged, close contact is often required for transmission via respiratory droplets.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Individuals infected with Mpox typically experience a range of symptoms, which can include fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness, swollen lymph nodes (ínguas), and characteristic skin lesions or eruptions. These lesions can appear anywhere on the body, but are often found on the face, hands, feet, mouth, or genital area.
Raquel Carboneiro, a nurse and manager at the Vigilância Epidemiológica, advises anyone planning to participate in Carnival to perform a self-check before heading out. “Before diving into the Carnival spirit, seize a moment for a personal health assessment. Examine your skin for any unusual eruptions, blisters, or sores, particularly around the genital area, mouth, hands, and feet. If you spot anything concerning, seek medical attention before joining the crowds.” She also stresses the importance of wearing a mask and covering any lesions while seeking care.
Protecting Yourself During Carnival
Health officials are recommending several key preventative measures to minimize the risk of Mpox transmission during Carnival celebrations:
- Avoid Close Contact: Limit close, prolonged physical contact with individuals exhibiting suspicious skin lesions.
- Practice Hand Hygiene: Frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer (70% concentration) is crucial, especially after touching surfaces in public areas, using public transportation, or interacting with others.
- Do Not Share Personal Items: Avoid sharing personal items such as cups, cutlery, bottles, cigarettes, clothing, or towels.
- Consider Mask Use: In densely crowded settings, wearing a mask can provide an additional layer of protection, particularly if there is active circulation of the virus.
The Vigilância Epidemiológica of Porto Alegre specifically advises individuals experiencing symptoms to refrain from attending Carnival events and to avoid close physical or sexual contact. “People with symptoms should not frequent blocks or maintain intimate contact,” they state, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance even after the Carnival festivities conclude.
Understanding Transmission and Prevention
Mpox is primarily spread through direct contact with the pus or blood from skin lesions. Transmission can also occur through saliva, particularly in cases involving sores in the mouth. While transmission via respiratory droplets is possible, it generally requires prolonged and close exposure.
In 2024, Porto Alegre confirmed three cases of Mpox. Two involved residents who contracted the virus while traveling to Rio de Janeiro and Canada, respectively. The third case was a resident of São Paulo who received a diagnosis while in Porto Alegre. The cases identified in 2024 were of a previous strain of the virus, differing from the strain that prompted a global health emergency declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in , citing an increase in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries, as well as the emergence of a new, more transmissible variant. As of , there were over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths in Africa, exceeding the numbers reported in 2023.
If you suspect you may have Mpox, This proves important to seek medical attention promptly, wear a mask, and keep any lesions covered. The incubation period for the virus ranges from three to 21 days, with a typical average of 10 to 16 days.