Monkeypox presenting as a chancre-like rash: A case report

Abstract

Background: Since May 2022, outbreaks of monkeypox have occurred in many countries around the world, and several cases have been reported in China.

Case summary: A 38-year-old man presented with a small, painless, shallow ulcer on the coronary groove for 8 d. One day after the rash appeared, the patient developed inguinal lymphadenopathy with fever. The patient had a history of male-male sexual activity and denied a recent history of travel abroad. Monkeypox virus was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction from the rash site and throat swab. Based on the epidemiological history, clinical manifestations and nucleic acid test results, the patient was diagnosed with monkeypox.

Conclusion: Monkeypox is an emerging infectious disease in China. Monkeypox presenting as a chancre-like rash is easily misdiagnosed. Diagnosis can be made based on exposure history, clinical manifestations and nucleic acid test results.

Keywords: Case report; Chancre-Like rash; China; Monkeypox.