Monkeypox, now called mpox, is a DNA viral-associated infection with both zoonotic and person-to-person transmission. It typically starts with the onset of prodromal symptoms followed by maculopapular or vesicular rashes at the site of primary infection, which later spreads in a disseminated fashion. The clinical presentation and disease severity of Mpox infection have varied immensely, mostly depending on the viral strain, the route of transmission, host susceptibility, and the quantity of virus inoculated. We present a 24-year-old female patient with no comorbidities who developed multiple vulval rashes and purulent vaginal discharge. Mpox infection from clade II (formerly West African clade) with sub-clade IIa was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The patient was managed with supportive care at our Infectious Disease Centre and later discharged home to continue isolation until all scabs had fallen off. Given the heterogeneous presentation of mpox disease, obstetricians and gynecologists should maintain a high index of suspicion in patients with genital lesions. Establishment and optimization of PCR protocols in the sub-Saharan region are necessary for prompt confirmation and management.
Safo et al. (Thu,) studied this question.