As per reports, the Ministry of Health has confirmed the first case of infection by the 1b strain of Mpox (Monkeypox) in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Sunday (09 March).

• The patient is a 29-year-old woman from the metropolitan region of São Paulo. She was infected after coming into contact with a family member who had recently travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where an outbreak of the disease is ongoing.
• Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the virus, and genome sequencing revealed that the strain closely resembles cases detected in other countries. At present, no secondary cases have been reported. However, local health authorities continue to monitor and trace potential contacts.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has been informed of the case. In response, the Brazilian Ministry of Health, in collaboration with state and municipal health departments, has reinforced epidemiological surveillance and intensified contact tracing efforts.