Monkeypox in an Immunocompetent Vaccined Adult: A Case Report at the University Teaching Hospital of Bouake

Abstract

Introduction: With the eradication of smallpox in 1980, vaccination against smallpox ceased and there was an upsurge in cases of monkeypox. The objective of this observation is to describe the characteristics of monkeypox in the vaccinated subject. Case Report: A 45-year-old, heterosexual, rural resident was referred for a rash. The history of the disease revealed signs of acute course marked by headache, asthenia, diffuse myalgia, chest pain, fever and pruritic rash. His background is marked by vaccination against smallpox in 1977, cohabitation with game hunters and domestic animals as well as a notion of contact with a person who presented similar but more generalized signs. The physical examination revealed a conscious patient with good general state, feverish, tachycardic, eupneic presenting skin lesions in the type of striated vesicles more or less umbilical, on the scalp, face, neck, trunk and the upper limbs associated with cervical lymphadenopathy. RT-PCR was performed on a dry swab by rubbing several vesicles and a throat swab proved positive for Monkeypox Virus (MPXV). Management consisted of isolation and symptomatic treatment. The evolution has been favorable. Conclusion: The symptomatology of monkeypox is similar to that of smallpox. Without widely available treatment or prophylaxis, rapid identification of cases is essential. Vaccination of people at risk is an alternative to curb the epidemic. However, the main prevention strategy is to raise awareness of the risk factors.