Monkeypox 2022: Dermatologists in the frontline on the edge of a new pandemic: A case report

Abstract

The world is on the edge of a new pandemic due to the monkeypox virus, an endemic virus from Africa with occurrences in the western hemisphere due to international travel. Contact with respiratory droplets, skin lesions, or bodily fluids from infected animals, direct or indirect contact with contaminated fomites can lead to transmission. A prolonged close contact is required in order for the infection to be spread. The lesions start as papules or macules, develop into pustules, umbilicated vesicles, ulcers, and, finally, into crusty scabs, similar to smallpox. No specific clinically proven treatments for monkeypox infection are currently available, although there are some preventive measures that can be taken. The present study presented the case of a homosexual man with genital monkeypox infection. Currently, there are five confirmed cases of monkeypox in Romania and its incidence is continuously rising. Therefore, dermatovenerologists all over the world should be prepared to recognize the disease, as well as take preventive measures in order to avoid another global pandemic.