Suspected Mpox Case Reported at Brazil's Main Airport

A suspected mpox case has been identified at São Paulo's Guarulhos airport. The passenger, spotted with symptoms, was transferred to a specialized hospital. While WHO has declared mpox a global health emergency, Brazil has recorded over 700 cases this year, none of the new variant.

A suspected case of mpox has been reported at Brazil's main international airport near São Paulo, according to the health sanitary agency Anvisa on Monday.

Anvisa stated that its office in the Guarulhos airport was alerted on Sunday following the identification of a passenger exhibiting signs and symptoms compatible with mpox. The individual was subsequently transferred to a specialized hospital. The passenger had arrived at the airport on August 14 and had been in an area designated for people requesting refugee status.

The agency did not disclose the traveler's origin or home country. Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, noting a new variant rapidly spreading in Africa. Brazil's health ministry reported over 700 confirmed or probable mpox cases in the country this year, though none involve the new variant. Anvisa added that no other suspected cases have been found, without confirming if the potential case involves the new variant.

(With inputs from agencies.)