Mpox: Diagnosis and Management for the Inpatient Dermatologist

Purpose of Review Mpox, though largely a self-limited disease, may have severe manifestations requiring hospitalization, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This review highlights the history and epidemiology, clinical course, diagnostic pearls, and management of mpox in the context of inpatient dermatology. Recent Findings The 2022 outbreak had unique features in comparison to previous outbreaks and endemic mpox, including a predominance of anogenital lesions and an atypical progression of lesion morphologies. The frequency of concurrent STIs is as high as 76%- necessitating co-testing for HIV and other STIs. Intradermal administration of the live, nonreplicating vaccine (Jynneos) requires 1/5 th of the standard dose, shows similar immunogenicity, and provides increased vaccination reach. Summary Mpox may require hospitalization in cases of severe disease, uncontrolled pain, or with other cutaneous complications. The inpatient dermatologist plays an important role diagnosis of mpox and should recognize the variability in morphologic presentation and need for STI and HIV co-testing.