Delayed recognition of mpox on an inpatient psychiatric unit: a case report and investigation

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Healthcare Epidemiology

Background:

• Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is a viral disease that can cause serious health concerns.
• Congregate healthcare settings, such as inpatient psychiatry units, present unique challenges for infection control.
• Delayed diagnosis can lead to significant transmission risks within these environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of delayed mpox recognition in an inpatient psychiatry setting.
• To describe the subsequent investigation and risk mitigation strategies implemented.
• To highlight the critical need for timely mpox identification and isolation in healthcare facilities.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a delayed mpox diagnosis.
• Description of epidemiological investigation and contact tracing.
• Outline of infection control measures and risk mitigation efforts.

Main Results:

• A patient admitted to an inpatient psychiatry unit was diagnosed with mpox after a delay.
• This delay resulted in potential exposure of healthcare staff and other patients.
• Investigation confirmed transmission risks and guided subsequent management.

Conclusions:

• Prompt recognition and isolation of mpox are essential in congregate healthcare settings.
• Healthcare providers must maintain a high index of suspicion for mpox, even in non-traditional presentations.
• Effective infection control protocols are vital to prevent mpox outbreaks in hospitals.