A 2-week old infant with Mpox in Uganda: a case report
Michael Derrick Ngobi1, Lucy Amaniyo2, Evelyn Kembabazi3
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda. mdngobi@gmail.com.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|October 9, 2025
Summary
Mpox is rare in newborns, but this case shows it can occur without known exposure or a positive maternal test. Early suspicion is key for prompt diagnosis and management of neonatal Mpox.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Mpox (formerly monkeypox) declared a global health emergency by WHO in August 2024.
- Neonatal Mpox cases are infrequent, with most cases reported in adults and older children.
- This report details a rare case of Mpox in a neonate with no clear exposure history.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of neonatal Mpox.
- To emphasize the importance of considering Mpox in neonates with unexplained febrile illness and rash.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges in neonatal Mpox.
Main Methods:
- A 2-week-old neonate presented with fever and a progressing vesicular rash.
- Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed Mpox infection.
- Maternal PCR testing for Mpox was negative.
Main Results:
- The neonate exhibited a cephalocaudal spread of rash, affecting palms and soles.
- Despite negative maternal PCR, the neonate was diagnosed with Mpox.
- The neonate recovered after 11 days of hospitalization with supportive care.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal Mpox should be suspected even without a clear exposure history or positive maternal test.
- Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for managing neonatal Mpox.
- This case underscores the need for heightened awareness of Mpox in pediatric populations.
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