First case of conjunctivitis linked to monkeypox recorded

Last week, the H.Olhos hospital specializing in ophthalmology in São Paulo, first case of viral conjunctivitis proven to be associated with monkeypoxa monkey flower. Ocular conjunctival inflammation is one of many “uncommon clinical manifestations” observed in 20% of those diagnosed with zoonotic disease, according to a note issued by the agency.

According to Pedro Antônio Nogueira Filho, Head of the H.Olhos Emergency Service, the fact that Brazil is the third country in the world in terms of confirmed cases of monkeypox means that cases of conjunctivitis and edema of the eyelids are seen. “long exceeded the rare event assumption” and requires differential diagnosis.”

Nogueira Filho explains that the unusual aspects of the current monkeypox epidemic are its rapid global spread, primarily among men aged 18 to 44. Second, because of the symptoms: The disease spread among people before they even knew they were infected.

How did the hospital detect the first case of monkeypox?

The patient seen by the healthcare team at the H.Olhos Emergency Department is a 30-year-old healthcare professional with mild symptoms of conjunctivitis. The experts came up with the smallpox hypothesis after analyzing all the patient’s symptoms, following the extensive research protocol for possible latent diseases: “Fever and red lesions on the body”.

As soon as suspicion arose, the patient was referred for the collection of microbiological material from the eyes, including RT-PCR, for the study of monkeypox virus and assessment of genetic variation. The diagnosis was confirmed in a short time.

“It is important to alert the population to this serious and urgent cause. If there is any doubt, the ideal is to seek immediate medical attention”, warns Nogueira Filho.