Atypical presentation of occupational mpox: a case report from Brazil

After decades of circulating predominantly in Africa, mpox caused a public health emergency of international concern between 2022 and 2023. Even outside of the epidemic period, the virus still circulates, with threats of reemergence, and different clinical presentations must be brought to attention for optimal surveillance.

We report a case of monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection in a previously healthy physician with an atypical clinical presentation and a single identified exposure. Diagnosis was confirmed by PCR. Viral isolation was employed to reinforce diagnosis. Plaque reduction neutralization assays and semiquantitative ELISA were used to evaluate the antibody response.

Our report has two main messages: atypical symptoms of mpox can hinder diagnosis, making adequate suspicion and testing fundamental; and the risk of occupational exposure must be considered when designing policies for healthcare workers.