Ocular manifestations: A novel association of Monkeypox virus outbreak in 2022

Abstract

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a double-stranded DNA zoonotic virus of the Poxviridae family. Infected persons, animals, or inanimate items can all spread the virus to humans when they come into close contact. The first human-to-human transmission was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak emerged in May 2022 involved mostly men who had sex with men (MSM). Patients usually present with symptoms of rash along with fever, flu-like symptoms, and lesions in the genital and perineal region. A rising concern is ocular manifestations seen with MPVX like conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis, and corneal lesions, especially in unvaccinated patients which might lead to blindness. Although it is self-limiting with supportive care, many patients benefited from tecovirimat. Combination therapy of brincidofovir and tecovirimat was also used for severe disease. Smallpox vaccinations will also play a vital role as unvaccinated patients had serious complications. Risk counseling should be carried out to prevent further spread amongst high-risk populations. Ophthalmologists should also remain aware of these ocular manifestations during the current outbreak and keep it as a differential diagnosis whenever they come across with aforementioned complaints that can be seen in MPVX illness.