A case of occupational transmission of mpox

Abstract

Introduction: Between May 2022 and January 2023, a global mpox outbreak affected more than 84,000 patients across all continents. Transmission of mpox occurs through large respiratory droplets and direct contact with skin lesions. Case presentation: We present the case of a 31-year-old previously healthy male with mpox-Infection following occupational exposure to mpox from a needle stick injury with a sterile needle through a contaminated glove. The patient presented with a three-day history of fever, malaise, and an increasing erythema and swelling of one fingertip. The patient works as a medical doctor with regular exposure to patients infected with mpox. Mpox-PCR from a swab of the lesion and an oro-pharyngeal swab were positive. The lesion on his finger evolved into a necrotic skin lesion finally healing, leaving a scar. He did not develop any secondary pox on his skin and recovered fully. Discussion: Only a minority of patients with mpox infection develop illness with pronounced local complications as in this case. Conclusion: Mpox can potentially be transmitted in an occupational context. Medical personnel should be informed about this possible route of transmission.