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Monkeypox (Orthopoxvirus sp.)

Frank J. Domino, MD and Kathleen Barry, MD Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

  • Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus.

  • Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola v...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Almost 100% of patients have a prodrome of fever with chills, malaise, and headaches.

  • Travel to or exposure to someone who has traveled to an endemic region

PHYSICAL EXAM

  • Evolving rash b...

TREATMENT

  • Monkeypox is usually self-limiting but may be severe in some individuals such as children, pregnant women, or persons with immune suppression due to other health conditions.

  • Smallpox vaccine ...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

For those without immunodeficiency, the infection is usually self-limited. 

COMPLICATIONS

Severe scarring from healed lesions, ocular complications (keratitis, corneal ulceration, ...

REFERENCES

1
American Hospital Association. CDC updates U.S. monkeypox cases to 45, says overall risk remains low. https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2022-06-10-cdc-updates-us-monkeypox-cases-45-says-ov...

ADDITIONAL READING

CODES

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • A double-stranded DNA virus related to variola virus (the cause of smallpox), vaccinia virus, and cowpox virus

  • Travel to or exposure to someone who has traveled to an endemic region

  • Most...

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