Recent infection with monkeypox virus can initially present with very few pronounced clinical symptoms and lacking signs of infection, and only few skin vesicles may be visible.
German researchers have now presented the case of a 51-year-old HIV-positive patient, whose ulcer at the corner of his mouth occurred as the first sign of infection with monkeypox virus.
According to
"He had no clinical signs of infection; his HIV infection had been well controlled for years, both virologically and immunologically, with antiretroviral therapy," said the study published in the journal
Initially, the patient's ulcer was treated with a topical combination ointment.
Within a few days, he developed a painful ulcer at the left corner of his mouth and went back to his general practitioner. A swab was taken from the ulcer.
"Testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed monkeypox virus. Subsequently an increase in monkeypox vesicles was noted on the skin, but also on the palate," the researchers noted.
With growing swelling of the base of the tongue and muffled speech, it was decided to admit the patient to hospital for antiviral treatment with tecovirimat, they added.
The monkeypox outbreak continues to be a global health emergency, which is the highest level of alert as per the
There have been nearly 80,000 cases so far recorded across 106 countries, with 36 deaths.
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