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

Monkeypox Virus Transmission to Healthcare Worker through Needlestick Injury, Brazil

Laína Bubach Carvalho, Luciana V B Casadio, Matheus Polly, Ana Catharina Nastri, Anna Cláudia Turdo, Raissa H de Araujo Eliodoro, Ester Cerdeira Sabino, Anna Sara Levin, Adriana Coracini Tonacio de Proença, Hermes Ryoiti Higashino

Monkeypox Virus Transmission to Healthcare Worker through Needlestick Injury, Brazil

Laína Bubach Carvalho et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Nov.

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.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Timeline of symptoms and testing in a case of MPXV transmission to healthcare worker through needlestick injury, Brazil. All collected specimens had RT-PCR detectable MPXV through hospital discharge. Numerals inside squares indicate RT-PCR cycle threshold values. MPXV, monkeypox virus; RT-PCR, reverse transcription PCR.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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