Fuente: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40794-024-00237-w

Today, the first case of monkeypox was confirmed in Barrancabermeja, Santander, in a middle-aged man. The information was confirmed by the municipal Secretary of Health and the National Institute of Health (INS). The patient is currently in isolation, and health authorities are urging the public to remain calm and to seek timely medical consultation if symptoms compatible with the disease appear.

It is a disease caused by a virus related to the smallpox virus. For many years, it was present mainly in Central and West Africa, and it was first identified in humans in 1970. In recent years, especially since 2022, there has been increased discussion of this disease due to the rise in cases in several countries; however, isolated cases had already been reported in the Americas since 2017

The virus has two types or variants, known as clades. One of them can cause more severe disease (Clade I), while the other (Clade II) usually produces milder symptoms and is the one that has been identified in recent outbreaks outside Africa

Monkeypox can be transmitted from animals to humans, mainly through contact with infected animals or by consuming their meat, and also from person to person when there is close, direct contact with skin lesions, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects

The risk of infection increases with close physical contact, including intimate or sexual contact. The disease can affect anyone, although in recent outbreaks more cases have been reported among men who have sex with men.

According to the National Institute of Health (INS), symptoms that may be associated with mpox include:

• One or more skin lesions on any part of the body.
• Lesions in the genital or anal area.
• Fever, muscle aches, headache, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, or fatigue

A history from the previous 21 days is also taken into account, such as having had contact with a confirmed case; close or intimate contact with people coming from abroad; having new or multiple sexual partners; participating in social events; or having had contact with animals that may transmit the virus

The recommendation is to seek medical care as soon as possible. You should not wait for symptoms to worsen. Consulting early allows you to receive appropriate guidance and helps prevent the disease from spreading to others

1. Barrancabermeja registra su primer caso de viruela del mono ¿Qué síntomas son de alarma? | Noticias RCN
2. Fichas y Protocolos Mpox Instituto Nacional de Salud
3. Monkeypox: a re-emergent virus with global health implications – a comprehensive review | Tropical Diseases, Travel Medicine and Vaccines | Springer Nature Link

Gerhard M Acero
ESP epidemiology
Publication date: 02/02/2026

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