Podcast 829: Monkeypox

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD

Educational Pearls:

• Monkeypox transmission is still occurring  in the United States
• Transmitted by contact to exposed lesion
• MSM are a high-risk group for monkeypox infection
• Symptoms include rash and flu like symptoms
• Monkeypox lesions are often described as blister-like, firm, clear, and rubbery
• Most commonly develop on the face and/or anogenital regions
• Patients with potential monkeypox infection should be moved to isolation to reduce risk of transmission
• Providers should use full PPE including N95, facial covering, gown, and gloves when interacting with a potential case of monkeypox
• Diagnosis involves swabbing the lesion and sending it for analysis
• People at risk for severe disease (i.e. immunocompromised) or who have severe symptoms (i.e. eye involvement) should begin treatment with Tecovirimat (TPOXX) in the ED
• Infectious Disease (ID) should be consulted, and the patient will need to follow up with ID regardless of symptom severity

References

Rizk JG, Lippi G, Henry BM, Forthal DN, Rizk Y. Prevention and Treatment of Monkeypox. Drugs. Jun 2022;82(9):957-963. doi:10.1007/s40265-022-01742-y 

Thornhill JP, Barkati S, Walmsley S, et al. Monkeypox Virus Infection in Humans across 16 Countries - April-June 2022. N Engl J Med. Aug 25 2022;387(8):679-691. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2207323

Summarized by Mark O'Brien, MS4 | Edited by John Spartz, MD, & Erik Verzemnieks, MD

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