Mpox Case Detected via Sore Throat, No Skin Lesions
A 32-year-old woman in Thailand was diagnosed with mpox after presenting with a persistent sore throat and fever but no skin lesions, a rare presentation seen in only about 5% of cases. Doctors warn that mpox symptoms are evolving, with more atypical cases appearing, and urge people with unresolved throat infections to seek further testing. The Department of Disease Control reports three mpox deaths to date.
The popular page Drama-addict published a case of a mpox patient, noting that doctors have warned that mpox cases in Thailand are showing changing symptoms. More patients are presenting with atypical symptoms beyond the typical body rashes. For example, one patient came in with anal pain that turned out to be mpox, while another had symptoms resembling tonsillitis or pharyngitis but was also diagnosed with mpox.
Regarding the throat case: a 32-year-old woman presented with bilateral neck pain and a persistent fever for two weeks that did not improve with antibiotics. Examination revealed a white lesion on the posterior pharyngeal wall, but no rashes or lesions elsewhere on her body. Four days later, she developed pustules on her groin, right armpit, and nipple area, prompting suspicion of a viral infection. Testing confirmed mpox.
In summary, this patient had mpox with a presenting complaint of sore throat, a white lesion on the pharyngeal wall, and no skin rashes initially. While 14-30% of mpox cases typically involve oral lesions, cases that present with oral lesions and sore throat but no body rashes are rare, occurring in about 5% of cases. Therefore, beyond monitoring for rashes, anyone with a persistent sore throat that does not respond to treatment should be evaluated for other causes, including mpox.
The Department of Disease Control has released cumulative mpox figures, with three deaths recorded. Check mpox symptoms, the dangerous virus transmitted from monkeys to humans, and learn prevention methods.
