Update on Mpox: What the Primary Care Clinician Should Know

Med Clin North Am. 2024 Mar;108(2):355-371. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2023.09.005. Epub 2023 Oct 20.

Abstract

Mpox is a viral infection, which primarily caused sporadic outbreaks in West and Central Africa until causing a global epidemic in 2022. The disease has disproportionately affected people with human immunodeficiency virus and men who have sex with men. Transmission is through close physical contact, including sexual contact. Infection presents with a characteristic rash, with frequent anogenital involvement-polymerase chain reaction of skin lesions is diagnostic. Vaccination is available for primary prevention and postexposure prophylaxis. Treatment consists of supportive care, with antiviral medications available via clinical trials and/or for patients with severe disease.

Keywords: Emerging infectious disease; HIV; Mpox; Sexually transmitted infection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mpox (monkeypox)*
  • Primary Health Care
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents