Unusual Neurological Complications in a Patient With Monkeypox: A Case Report

Cureus. 2024 Apr 17;16(4):e58479. doi: 10.7759/cureus.58479. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Abstract

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by an enveloped single-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Poxviridae family. It was first identified in humans in the 1970s. In 2022, a monkeypox outbreak spread extensively outside of endemic countries. Monkeypox infection begins with the prodromal symptoms of fever, myalgia, and lethargy, followed by the development of a characteristic maculopapular rash. In most cases, the illness is self-limiting. However, severe cases can lead to devastating neurological complications, such as encephalitis. Here, we present the case of a 31-year-old male patient with monkeypox who developed encephalomyelitis and exhibited complete neurological recovery upon treatment with pulse steroid and intravenous immunoglobulin.

Keywords: case report; encephalomyelitis; monkeypox; pulse steroid; skin rash.

Publication types

  • Case Reports