A varicella outbreak, a disease known as chicken pox, was confused with MPOX cases in schools in the municipality of Iranduba, in the Metropolitan Region of Manaus, Amazonas. The information was clarified this week by the Health Surveillance Foundation (FVS) after research and laboratory analysis.
According to the health agency, the exams confirmed that suspected cases are unrelated to MPOX, as it was initially disclosed on social networks and reports of residents.
“It is varicella, common viral disease among children, with symptoms similar to those of MPOX, such as fever and skin lesions,” said Foundation’s CEO Tatyana Amorim.
Adopted measures
According to the government of Amazonas, as soon as the first cases emerged, the Health Department acted together with the Iranduba Municipal Health Secretariat to follow the situation.
FVS technicians participated in meetings in the municipality to reinforce health surveillance, control and education strategies in affected school units.
“We have been in direct contact with Iranduba’s surveillance, offering technical support and guidance on the proper confrontation of the situation. Laboratory tests confirmed the varicella, removing the possibility of MPOX,” explained Alexsandro Melo, responsible for the FVS Epidemiological Surveillance Department.
Iranduba City Hall issued a note on its social networks noting that “the news of an MPOX outbreak in the municipality is false.” According to the statement, until May 19, 2025, there were no confirmed case or patient hospitalized with the disease, both in Iranduba and Manaus.
Recommendations to schools
To contain the spread of the chickenpox and avoid new alarm episodes, the FVS-RCP advised the adoption of prevention measures in school environments. Among the main recommendations are:
- Education on symptoms and forms of transmission;
- Availability of sinks with soap and water or alcohol 70%;
- Early identification of suspicious cases, with immediate removal of students;
- Maintenance of airy environments;
- Fighting stigma through empathic and responsible approaches.
Understand the differences
The confusion between the two viruses is due to the initial similarity in symptoms, such as fever and rash. However, there are significant differences:
- Chickenpox (chicken pox): mainly affects children, with the appearance of bubbles that evolve rapidly and usually cause itching. The evolution of the disease is lighter and self -limiting in most cases.
- MPOX: It can affect all age groups, with more painful lesions, persistent high fever, increased lymphatic ganglia and more intense general symptoms.
This content was originally published in an outbreak of Catapora is confused with MPOX in schools in Amazonas on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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