Five patients hospitalized at Botkin Hospital for Infectious Diseases in St Petersburg, Russia, have tested positive for mpox. All five patients remain in stable condition presenting mild to moderate symptoms. Russian consumer health authorities reported suspected cases on October 16, 2026, and have initiated contact-tracing procedures alongside anti-epidemic measures to contain the infection.
Mpox cases and response in St Petersburg
- ▪Russia's consumer health watchdog reported suspected mpox cases in St Petersburg on October 16, 2026.
- ▪Five patients hospitalized in St Petersburg, Russia tested positive for mpox, as reported by state news agency RIA citing the Botkin Hospital for Infectious Diseases on October 19, 2026.
- ▪All five hospitalized mpox patients in St Petersburg were in stable condition with mild or moderate symptoms while receiving treatment at Botkin Hospital, according to a hospital representative.
- ▪Russian consumer health officials initiated contact tracing and put anti-epidemic measures in place following suspected mpox cases reported in October 2026.
Mpox severity and high-risk groups
- ▪Higher-risk groups for severe mpox complications commonly include immunocompromised patients, pregnant individuals, young children, and people with severe skin or mucosal disease, according to clinical guidelines.
- ▪Mpox is an infectious viral disease that is usually mild, with most infected individuals recovering within a few weeks without medical treatment.
Diagnosis of mpox
- ▪Clinical assessment for mpox diagnosis includes reviewing exposure history, lesion evolution, and evaluating for concurrent sexually transmitted infections when relevant.
- ▪Mpox diagnosis is confirmed using PCR testing from lesion material to differentiate it from varicella, herpes simplex, and other vesiculopustular rash infections.
Mpox recovery and follow-up care
- ▪Follow-up monitoring during recovery from mpox focuses on symptom resolution, lesion healing, pain control, hydration, and preventing secondary bacterial infections or lingering dermatologic effects.
- ▪During mpox recovery, clinicians evaluate isolation clearance criteria and counsel patients on transmission prevention and lingering psychosocial effects.
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