The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) is monitoring this rise in Mpox nationwide and told Antena 1 that a 'growing trend' is being observed.
Mpox cases increasing — Portugal reports 40 new infections in the last two months
Saturday, 10 January 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
Mpox is the illness formerly known as monkeypox; the World Health Organization approved the shorter name in 2022 to reduce stigma. It is a viral illness spread by close contact, causes fever and a characteristic rash (incubation 5–21 days), and public-health responses include testing, isolation of cases and vaccination with smallpox/mpox vaccines (e.g., Jynneos/Imvanex) for high-risk contacts.
The DGS (Direção-Geral da Saúde) is Portugal's central public health authority, responsible for setting health policy guidelines, managing vaccination programs, disease surveillance, and public health campaigns. It operates under the Ministry of Health.
The DGS issues clinical guidelines (normas) that health professionals across Portugal follow, manages the national vaccination schedule, coordinates responses to disease outbreaks, and publishes health statistics. It became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic as the lead agency for public health guidance.
For residents, the DGS is the authoritative source for vaccination schedules, health alerts, and clinical guidance. Its recommendations shape how hospitals and health centers deliver care across the country.
