Patient case: Human Monkeypox
A 29-year-old male presents to the clinic with a five-day history of fever, chills, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Two days after the fever began, he developed a rash that started on his face and spread to his arms, trunk, and legs. The rash initially appeared as flat red spots, which later turned into fluid-filled vesicles and then pustules. He reports no recent illness but mentions close contact with a friend who had similar symptoms a week ago.
On examination, he has a temperature of 38.7°C (101.7°F) and multiple firm, tender lymph nodes in the cervical and axillary regions. His skin shows numerous pustular lesions, some with central umbilication. No lesions are found inside his mouth.
Laboratory tests, including PCR from skin lesion swabs, confirm Monkeypox virus infection. He is advised to isolate at home, manage symptoms with supportive care, and monitor for complications. His condition remains stable, and after three weeks, the lesions scab over and heal without scarring
a) Chickenpox
b) Monkeypox
c) Measles
d) Hand, foot, and mouth disease
a) Monkeypox lesions appear in crops, while chickenpox lesions are in the same stage.
b) Monkeypox lesions progress through uniform stages, while chickenpox lesions appear in different stages.
c) Monkeypox lesions remain confined to the trunk, while chickenpox affects the extremities more.
d) Monkeypox is always asymptomatic, while chickenpox causes severe illness.
a) High-dose antiviral therapy
b) Supportive care and isolation
c) Immediate hospitalization for IV antibiotics
d) Corticosteroids and antihistamines
a) Contaminated water and food
b) Mosquito bites
c) Respiratory droplets and direct contact with lesions
d) Airborne transmission only
