Mpox in Children: 3 Cases

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Viral Outbreak Epidemiology
• Clinical Case Studies

Background:

• The 2022 mpox outbreak primarily affected adults, but substantial impact on children and adolescents was also observed.
• Limited data exists on mpox clinical presentation and management in pediatric populations, particularly outside endemic regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical course and treatment of the first three pediatric mpox cases in New York City.
• To highlight unique transmission routes, clinical presentations, and diagnostic challenges in children compared to previous reports.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series describing three pediatric patients diagnosed with mpox.
• Review of clinical data, including transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment with tecovirimat.

Main Results:

• The three pediatric cases presented with varied clinical manifestations and transmission routes, differing from established mpox profiles.
• All patients received tecovirimat treatment under an FDA expanded access investigational new drug application.
• Complete recovery was observed in all three children without any adverse reactions to the antiviral treatment.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric mpox cases can exhibit distinct clinical features and transmission dynamics.
• Tecovirimat appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for mpox in children, warranting further investigation.