Almost 30% of mpox patients described in a retrospective study from Nigeria were co-infected with chickenpox, according to a study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases. This highlights the complications that can arise from co-infections of these two diseases.
The study focused on mpox outbreaks in six states in southern Nigeria from January 2022 to March 2023. Of the 94 suspected case-patients, 56 were confirmed to have mpox, and of those, 16 (28.6%) were also co-infected with chickenpox.
Compared to those with mpox alone, patients with the co-infection experienced more severe symptoms. They were significantly more likely to report muscle pain, sore throat, fatigue, and complications. It is worth noting that the burden of chickenpox in Nigeria is not well-known, as the disease is not notifiable, and the vaccine is not included in the national immunization program.
The average age of the patients in the study was 29 years, with over 60% being men. Additionally, 12.5% of patients identified as bisexual or other men who have sex with men. Fever was present in 92.9% of the patients, and all of them presented with an itchy rash, with a majority reporting that the rash began on their face.
The study authors found that individuals co-infected with chickenpox had a significantly higher risk of developing complications compared to those with mpox alone. They were 4.4 times more likely to experience complications, although no statistically significant association with death was observed.
In the United States, mpox cases are also on the rise. Some cities, such as Rhode Island and Nashville, have reported an increase in cases and are taking measures to address the situation. The Rhode Island Department of Health is urging at-risk residents to get the Jynneos vaccine, while Nashville is hosting a pop-up vaccination event today.
Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory regarding an ongoing outbreak of clade 1 mpox virus (MPXV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Clade 1 has historically been associated with higher case-fatality rates compared to clade 2, which caused the global mpox outbreak in 2022.
The CDC advises clinicians to be aware of the possibility of Clade 1 MPXV in travelers who have been in the DRC. Although no cases of Clade 1 MPXV have been reported in the United States, the health advisory aims to ensure preparedness and vigilance.
This study and the ongoing outbreaks serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding and monitoring the complexities of mpox and chickenpox co-infections. Further research and awareness are needed to better manage and prevent the complications associated with these diseases.
