Published online Sep 6, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i25.6025
Peer-review started: July 14, 2023
First decision: August 2, 2023
Revised: August 4, 2023
Accepted: August 9, 2023
Article in press: August 9, 2023
Published online: September 6, 2023
Processing time: 48 Days and 20.7 Hours
Since May 2022, outbreaks of monkeypox have occurred in many countries around the world, and several cases have been reported in China.
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.
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.
Core Tip: We reported an indigenous case of monkeypox transmitted by male-male sexual activity, suggesting the beginning of community transmission of monkeypox in the mainland of China. Monkeypox presenting as genital ulcers is easily misdiagnosed as chancre or other skin diseases. Clinicians should improve the awareness of monkeypox to avoid possible misdiagnosis and prevent the spread of monkeypox in the community.