Diagnosis and management of monkeypox in primary care. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rallapalli, Smrithi; Razai, Mohammad S; Majeed, Azeem; Drysdale, Simon B
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. Volume 115:Number 10(2022)
• Page Start: 384
• Page End: 389
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Evidence-based practice -- guidelines -- infectious diseases -- public health; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1177/01410768221131914
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0410-0768

Abstract

The monkeypox virus outbreak continues to evolve worldwide. While most people recover without treatment, primary care clinicians may be the first point of contact for those affected. Prompt assessment, diagnosis, isolation, treatment and prophylaxis will reduce the risk of community transmission. The current public health advice is to test suspected cases and monitor close contacts. If individuals test positive for the monkeypox virus, self-isolation at home is recommended for most people with mild symptoms. If patients report severe symptoms, referral and admission to hospital will be needed, where further interventions such as antivirals may be administered. The infection can spread through close contact; therefore, healthcare professionals must take precautions, such as using appropriate personal protective equipment for possible or probable cases.