Top 5 Takeaways

1. This MMWR article reports the youngest confirmed case of monkeypox in Florida involving an infant under 2 months old. Initial symptoms included a rash and cellulitis.
2. After initial negative tests for other diseases, the infant’s lesions tested positive for Orthopoxvirus and Monkeypox virus DNA. Treatment with oral tecovirimat and Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous was successful.
3. The infant had close contact with a caregiver (B) who later tested positive for Orthopoxvirus, suggesting household transmission.
4. Postexposure prophylaxis with JYNNEOS vaccine was given to three caregivers, preventing further transmission.
5. The case emphasizes the need for considering monkeypox in differential diagnoses for pediatric patients with certain rashes and highlights the importance of timely identification and epidemiologic investigation.

Note:

This MMWR Article was created prior to the conventional renaming of Monkeypox to its more standard and appropriate name, Mpox. To avoid confusion, Monkeypox is retained when writing this article, but all future works should use Mpox.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Katharine E. Saunders, ksaunders2@cdc.gov.

Suggested Citation

Saunders KE, Van Horn AN, Medlin HK, et al. Monkeypox in a Young Infant — Florida, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:1220–1221. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7138e3.

Summary

The report details the case of an infant presenting with a rash and cellulitis, later confirmed as monkeypox. This case is notable as the youngest patient with confirmed monkeypox in Florida.

Methods

The initial diagnostic approach involved ruling out other conditions like varicella and herpes. Upon deterioration, further testing confirmed monkeypox, leading to specific treatments including tecovirimat and Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous.

Discussion

The case underscores the potential for monkeypox transmission within households, especially among young children. The prompt response, including contact tracing and postexposure prophylaxis, played a crucial role in containing further spread.

Conclusion

This case exemplifies the critical need for healthcare providers to consider monkeypox in differential diagnoses for pediatric rashes, particularly in the context of recent monkeypox outbreaks. The success of the public health response in this case provides valuable insights for managing future incidents.

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