Mpox. Credit: Anna Shalam, Shutterstock
Public health authorities urge vigilance as the second Mpox case in Aragon surfaces this year.
A second case of Monkeypox (Mpox) has been confirmed in Zaragoza, Spain, according to the Epidemiological Bulletin of Aragon, covering the period between May 26 and June 1, 2025. The regional Department of Health stated that “the appropriate prevention and control measures” have already been taken, cited by El Espanol.
This marks Aragon’s second monkeypox case of 2025, after no reported infections in the region throughout 2024. Five cases were recorded in 2023, according to Aragon Digital.
What is Monkeypox (Mpox)?
Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, is a rare viral disease that often causes:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle aches and fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes (neck, groin, armpits)
- A distinctive skin rash, similar to chickenpox
The rash typically appears 1 to 4 days after fever begins, starting as flat spots, then forming raised bumps and finally pus-filled boils.
The incubation period is generally 7 to 14 days, with symptoms lasting 2 to 4 weeks.
How is Mpox transmitted?
According to health officials, Mpox spreads through:
- Close contact with lesions or bodily fluids
- Contaminated objects or materials (like bedding or clothing)
- Respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face interaction
“Anyone can become infected if exposed to the virus,” notes the Public Health department.
Mpox in Spain and the rest of the world
Spain has confirmed a total of 8,737 monkeypox cases since April 2022. In 2025 alone, 198 cases have been reported.
Globally, from January 1, 2024, to May 8, 2025, 69 cases of the clade 1b strain were reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from travellers returning from non-endemic countries. The breakdown includes:
- UK (12) – where community transmission is confirmed
- Germany and India (10 each)
- China (7), Belgium (5), Thailand (5), Qatar (5)
- USA (4), France (3), UAE (2)
- Single cases in Canada, Oman, Pakistan, Sweden, Brazil, and Switzerland
Additional health alerts in Zaragoza
In addition to the Mpox case, the bulletin also confirmed:
- 1 case of listeriosis, a bacterial infection commonly spread through contaminated food or animal contact.
- 1 case of leptospirosis, often linked to exposure to water contaminated by infected animal urine.
Should we be worried about Mpox?
Monkeypox / Mpox remains a concern due to the severity of symptoms and the global travel link. With nearly 200 cases in Spain this year and infections rising in Europe, public health authorities stress the importance of early detection and isolation. There has been talk of the Mpox vaccine, but currently it is only advised for high-risk individuals in Spain.
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