Monkeypox Virus Transmission to Healthcare Worker through Needlestick Injury, Brazil

Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Nov;28(11):2334-2336. doi: 10.3201/eid2811.221323. Epub 2022 Sep 19.

Abstract

We describe monkeypox virus (MPXV) transmission from a patient to a healthcare worker through needlestick injury. A lesion appeared at the inoculation site 5 days after injury. Blood tested MPXV-positive by PCR before symptoms worsened; blood remained MPXV-positive at discharge 19 days after symptom onset. Postexposure prophylaxis could prevent potential MPXV bloodborne transmission.

Keywords: Brazil; healthcare-associated infections; monkeypox; monkeypox virus; needlestick injuries; nosocomial infections; occupational exposure; viruses; zoonoses.

MeSH terms

  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Monkeypox virus / genetics
  • Mpox (monkeypox)* / diagnosis
  • Needlestick Injuries*