Suspected Mpox at Brazil's Main Airport Likely Chickenpox: Hospital

A suspected mpox case in a passenger at Brazil's main international airport is likely chickenpox, according to Sao Paulo's Emilio Ribas hospital. Health officials remain vigilant for a new mpox variant, which has caused global concern. More than 700 confirmed or probable mpox cases were reported in Brazil this year.

A suspected case of mpox identified in a passenger at Brazil's main international airport is likely a case of chickenpox, as stated by Sao Paulo hospital Emilio Ribas on Monday. Health authorities continue to be on high alert for a new variant of mpox that has garnered international attention.

State-owned infectious disease hospital Emilio Ribas pointed to chickenpox as the primary hypothesis for the reported case, adding that laboratory tests would soon confirm the patient's condition. Brazil's health and sanitation regulator, Anvisa, had earlier noted the passenger exhibited symptoms consistent with mpox.

This month, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years due to a rapidly spreading new variant in Africa. Brazil's health ministry reported over 700 confirmed or probable mpox cases this year; however, none involved the new variant.

Anvisa confirmed that no other suspected cases were found at the airport, while Emilio Ribas did not elaborate on whether the potential case could be the new variant. The hospital also mentioned the passenger had not traveled from mpox-endemic regions.

Additionally, over 650 migrants from countries like India, Nepal, and Vietnam were waiting at Guarulhos airport for entry into Brazil, as reported by the public defender's office. Brazil declared tighter entry rules last week to prevent the use of the country as a transit point for reaching the United States and Canada, citing deteriorating conditions and alleged human rights violations among the migrants.

(With inputs from agencies.)