Pattern of Presentation of Monkey Pox Disease in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.
Background: Human Monkeypox (MPX) is a viral zoonotic disease endemic in tropical rainforest areas of Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions of the world. Distinguishing MPX from other rash illnesses could be challenging. We describe the clinical presentation and course of confirmed human MPX patients managed in Ebonyi State. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study conducted between August and November 2022. Results: Out of 16 suspected cases, 12(75%) were RT-PCR confirmed positive for MPX, 4 (33%) were negative for MPX but positive for Varicella zoster virus (VZV). The mean age of the participants was 28.5+17 years with a range of 2 and 55 years. Of the twelve confirmed cases, 8(66.6%) were males, 4(33.3%) females and 5(41.6%) had VZV co-infection. All the patients experienced rash, 7(58%) had fever with chills, 5(41.6%) had lymphadenopathy, and 3(25%) had sore throat while 6(50%) had significant genital lesions. Skin lesions were typically monomorphic and involved the extremities, head and neck, chest, back, palms and sole. Thirty three percent had 5-100 lesions, and 8(66.6%) of the patients had lesions in a centrifugal distribution. The most common lesions included papules, vesicles and pustules. Conclusions: Clinical recognition, diagnosis, and prevention of MPX still remain a concern in endemic, resource-limited settings. Public enlightenment on risk factors, enhanced surveillance, and a high index of suspicion are key to prevention, early recognition, and diagnosis of MPX. Further studies are needed to better understand the course and prevention of human infections.
Human Monkeypox, RT-PCR confirmed, clinical presentation, Ebonyi, Co-infection, Infectious diseases