- Question: A 35-year-old man presents with a 4-day history of fever, headache, and a characteristic rash that started on his face and spread to his palms and soles. He has recently returned from West Africa. What is the most likely diagnosis? Answer: Mpox (Monkeypox), given the rash distribution and travel history to an endemic area.
- Question: A patient with suspected mpox presents with painful, swollen lymph nodes. What is the most common lymph node group affected in mpox? Answer: The most common lymph node groups affected are the cervical and inguinal lymph nodes.
- Question: A 25-year-old male who recently had close contact with an individual diagnosed with mpox develops fever and a rash. He is concerned about his risk. What is the primary mode of transmission of mpox? Answer: The primary mode of transmission is direct contact with lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets from an infected person.
- Question: A 29-year-old female presents with a vesicular rash, fever, and malaise. She mentions a recent exposure to an animal that was infected with mpox. How long is the typical incubation period for mpox? Answer: The incubation period for mpox is typically 7–14 days, but it can range from 5 to 21 days.
- Question: A patient with mpox develops a rash that evolves from macules to papules, vesicles, and pustules, before scabbing over. What is the typical progression of the rash in mpox infection? Answer: The rash progresses from macules to papules, then to vesicles, pustules, and finally to scabs, often within 2 to 4 weeks.
- Question: A patient presents with a rash and mucosal lesions consistent with mpox. What laboratory tests would you order to confirm the diagnosis? Answer: PCR testing of lesion samples (vesicular fluid, scabs, or tissue) is the gold standard for diagnosing mpox.
- Question: A patient with mpox asks about the potential severity of the disease. Which group of people is most at risk for severe complications from mpox? Answer: Young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications.
- Question: A patient diagnosed with mpox asks about the duration of isolation. How long should a person with mpox remain in isolation after the rash first appears? Answer: A person should remain in isolation until all scabs have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed, usually around 3 to 4 weeks after the onset of symptoms.
- Question: A 40-year-old patient presents with mpox. They ask whether there is a vaccine to prevent the disease. What is the recommended vaccination for mpox exposure? Answer: The JYNNEOS vaccine (modified vaccinia Ankara) is recommended for post-exposure prophylaxis and prevention of mpox.
- Question: A patient with mpox presents with a headache, myalgia, and fever. What supportive treatment should be provided? Answer: Supportive treatment includes pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen), hydration, and antipyretics for fever control.
- Question: A 33-year-old male presents with signs of mpox and a history of recent travel to an endemic area. How can human-to-human transmission of mpox be minimized? Answer: Human-to-human transmission can be minimized through isolation, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and practicing good hand hygiene.
- Question: A pregnant woman in her second trimester presents with fever, headache, and a characteristic rash. She recently traveled to a country with ongoing mpox outbreaks. What are the risks of mpox infection during pregnancy? Answer: Mpox infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, preterm birth, or severe disease, although risks may vary.
- Question: A 28-year-old male who is immunocompromised develops a vesicular rash, fever, and malaise. What is the recommended management strategy for mpox in immunocompromised patients? Answer: Immunocompromised patients should be monitored closely, and antiviral treatment such as tecovirimat (TPOXX) may be considered.
- Question: A patient presents with suspected mpox and reports contact with an animal in Africa. What is the primary animal reservoir for mpox? Answer: The primary animal reservoir for mpox is believed to be rodents, although non-human primates can also transmit the virus.
- Question: A child presents with a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash started as spots on the face and spread to the body. How would you differentiate mpox from chickenpox? Answer: Unlike chickenpox, mpox lesions typically develop in a more sequential manner (macules to papules to pustules) and are more concentrated on the face, palms, and soles.
- Question: A patient with mpox asks whether there is any antiviral treatment available. Which antiviral agent has been shown to be effective in the treatment of mpox? Answer: Tecovirimat (TPOXX) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of mpox, particularly in severe cases.
- Question: A patient with mpox asks if the disease can cause permanent skin scarring. What is the typical outcome of mpox lesions? Answer: Mpox lesions typically heal with scarring, especially if they become infected secondary to scratching.
- Question: A 22-year-old male reports a rash and fever after attending a social gathering with someone diagnosed with mpox. What would be the best course of action for post-exposure prophylaxis? Answer: Post-exposure prophylaxis with the JYNNEOS vaccine should be administered within 4 days of exposure to reduce the risk of illness.
- Question: A patient with a suspected mpox infection is concerned about spreading the disease. What measures should be taken to prevent the transmission of mpox? Answer: Measures include isolation of the patient, proper use of PPE by healthcare workers, and proper hygiene, including hand washing and disinfecting surfaces.
- Question: A 30-year-old male with mpox presents with extensive mucosal lesions and pain. What complication should be closely monitored in this case? Answer: Mucosal involvement can lead to complications such as secondary bacterial infections, corneal involvement, or respiratory distress if the throat is affected.
- Question: A patient diagnosed with mpox presents with painful lesions. Is there any role for systemic antibiotics in the management of mpox? Answer: Systemic antibiotics are not indicated unless there is a secondary bacterial infection complicating the mpox lesions.
- Question: A healthcare worker is exposed to mpox through a needle-stick injury while handling a sample. What is the recommended course of action for occupational exposure? Answer: The healthcare worker should receive post-exposure vaccination with JYNNEOS and should be monitored for any signs or symptoms of mpox.
- Question: A 32-year-old male presents with symptoms of mpox and inquires about the infectious period. When is a patient with mpox most contagious? Answer: A patient with mpox is most contagious when the rash is in the pustular phase and until all scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed.
- Question: A 26-year-old female is diagnosed with mpox. Can she breastfeed her baby during the infection? Answer: Breastfeeding should be avoided if the mother has active mpox lesions on the breast or if the baby is at risk of infection.
- Question: A 19-year-old man with mpox presents with severe headache and photophobia. What should be done if there are signs of central nervous system involvement? Answer: In cases of suspected central nervous system involvement, further evaluation and supportive care should be provided. In some cases, antivirals such as tecovirimat may be used.
- Question: A patient diagnosed with mpox has a history of severe allergies. Should any special considerations be taken when administering the JYNNEOS vaccine? Answer: Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to any component of the JYNNEOS vaccine should not receive it. Alternative treatments should be considered.
- Question: A 21-year-old male has been exposed to mpox. What is the best prevention strategy for individuals at high risk of exposure to the virus? Answer: The best prevention strategy is vaccination with the JYNNEOS vaccine before or soon after exposure.
- Question: A 44-year-old woman with a new mpox rash reports extreme fatigue and muscle aches. How can these symptoms be managed? Answer: Supportive care including rest, hydration, and pain relief with analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate these symptoms.
- Question: A patient with mpox asks about the risk of reinfection. Can a person be reinfected with mpox after recovering from the illness? Answer: While reinfection with mpox is theoretically possible, it is considered rare due to the likely development of immunity after infection.
- Question: A healthcare worker in an endemic region develops symptoms consistent with mpox. What precautions should be taken immediately upon suspicion of infection? Answer: The healthcare worker should be isolated, and appropriate PPE should be used to prevent transmission to others until the diagnosis is confirmed.
- Question: A 27-year-old male with mpox presents with intense itching and discomfort from the skin lesions. What is an appropriate management approach for these symptoms? Answer: Antihistamines or soothing lotions like calamine can help manage pruritus and discomfort associated with the lesions.
- Question: A patient with mpox reports significant joint pain. What is the recommended approach to managing arthralgia in mpox patients? Answer: Arthralgia can be managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for pain relief.
- Question: A 60-year-old man with mpox presents with pneumonia. What is the recommended treatment for respiratory complications associated with mpox? Answer: Supportive treatment, including oxygen therapy if necessary, and antiviral treatment such as tecovirimat should be considered for severe cases.
- Question: A 22-year-old female with mpox is concerned about the potential for long-term complications. What long-term effects are associated with mpox infection? Answer: Most individuals recover without long-term complications, though scarring from skin lesions can occur, and in rare cases, neurological sequelae may develop.
- Question: A 25-year-old man with mpox asks about the risk of spreading the virus to his family. What precautions should he take at home? Answer: The patient should isolate in a separate room, wear a mask, and practice good hygiene to prevent spreading the virus to household contacts.
- Question: A 50-year-old woman presents with a rash on her hands and feet, and she recently attended a public event where several mpox cases were reported. What diagnostic test should be performed to confirm the diagnosis? Answer: PCR testing of lesion material (vesicular fluid or scabs) is the most accurate diagnostic test for confirming mpox.
- Question: A 19-year-old male with suspected mpox asks if he will need to be hospitalized. Under what circumstances should hospitalization be considered for mpox patients? Answer: Hospitalization may be necessary if the patient experiences severe symptoms, such as respiratory distress, significant pain, or neurological complications.
- Question: A 35-year-old male presents with fever and a vesicular rash consistent with mpox. He asks whether he will require antivirals. What factors would determine the need for antiviral treatment? Answer: Antiviral treatment may be considered if the patient has severe disease, is immunocompromised, or if there are complications such as pneumonia or neurological involvement.
- Question: A patient with mpox is worried about the impact of the disease on their work life. What guidance can you provide regarding returning to work? Answer: Patients with mpox should not return to work until all lesions have scabbed over and new skin has formed, which typically takes around 3 to 4 weeks.
- Question: A patient with mpox asks about the chances of developing secondary bacterial infections from the skin lesions. How can these infections be prevented? Answer: Prevent secondary bacterial infections by keeping the lesions clean, avoiding scratching, and possibly using topical antibiotics if secondary infection occurs.
- Question: A 28-year-old female with mpox asks whether she can receive the mpox vaccine after being diagnosed. What is the role of vaccination in the post-diagnosis period? Answer: Vaccination is not effective once symptoms have started, but it can be used as post-exposure prophylaxis if administered within 4 days of exposure.
- Question: A 60-year-old male with comorbidities presents with severe mpox. What additional considerations should be made in managing this patient? Answer: Close monitoring of comorbid conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease should be done, along with appropriate symptomatic treatment and possible antiviral therapy.
- Question: A 30-year-old man with mpox is concerned about the potential impact on his pregnancy. What advice should be given regarding mpox in pregnant women? Answer: Pregnant women with mpox should be closely monitored for possible complications, such as miscarriage or preterm birth, and antiviral treatment may be considered in severe cases.
- Question: A healthcare worker caring for a patient with mpox develops a fever and rash. What should be the immediate course of action for this healthcare worker? Answer: The healthcare worker should immediately undergo isolation, undergo testing for mpox, and monitor for symptoms. Post-exposure prophylaxis with the vaccine may also be considered.
- Question: A 29-year-old male with mpox presents with a persistent cough. What should be considered as a complication of mpox in this case? Answer: Persistent respiratory symptoms could suggest pneumonia or respiratory distress, which should be evaluated and treated accordingly.
- Question: A 32-year-old woman who is pregnant develops a vesicular rash consistent with mpox. What is the best course of action for management? Answer: Pregnant women should be closely monitored, and antivirals such as tecovirimat may be considered if the disease is severe. The risk of miscarriage or preterm birth should be discussed.
- Question: A patient with mpox asks if they can go swimming. What advice should be given regarding activities during infection? Answer: Swimming should be avoided during the infectious period to prevent transmission of the virus to others.
- Question: A 40-year-old man diagnosed with mpox is concerned about the social stigma associated with the disease. What information can be provided to address this concern? Answer: It is important to emphasize that mpox is a viral infection, and while it can be contagious, it is not associated with any moral wrongdoing. Encouraging open conversations can reduce stigma.
- Question: A child with suspected mpox presents with a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. How should the diagnosis be confirmed in this child? Answer: Diagnosis should be confirmed with PCR testing of lesion material, such as vesicular fluid, scabs, or tissue from the affected areas.
- Question: A 38-year-old male diagnosed with mpox asks about recovery time. What is the typical duration of illness for most individuals with mpox? Answer: The typical duration of illness is 2 to 4 weeks, with most patients recovering completely within this period.