Monkeypox case series study, Dominican Republic, May-December 2022

Abstract

Introduction. Monkeypox has spread rapidly through human-to-human transmission. In July 2022, WHO declared monkeypox an international health emergency. The objective was to identify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of simian smallpox cases in the Dominican Republic in 2022. Population and Methods. A case series of confirmed cases of monkeypox reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System. We calculated absolute and relative frequencies and 95% confidence interval for variables of interest.  Results. In May 2022, the first two of 67 confirmed cases were reported. The disease presented a spread pattern reaching its peak in July and August. Cases were concentrated in 13 provinces, 56.7% (38) in Santo Domingo and the National District. Of the cases, 65.6% (44) were men. The mean age was 27.7 years (SD: 17.9). The most frequently reported signs and symptoms were fever 77.6% (52) (95%CI = 65.8, 86.9) and skin rashes 73.1% (49) (95%CI = 60.9, 83.2). 31.3% (21) of the lesions were located on the upper extremities. 94.0% (63) (95%CI = 85.6, 98.4) of the cases were managed on an outpatient basis. 4.4% (3) were HIV+. 7.4% (5) were asymptomatic. Discussion. Monkeypox affected more men. The provinces of Santo Domingo and Distrito Nacional had more cases. The main clinical findings were fever and exanthema affecting mostly the upper extremities. Monkeypox seemed mostly symptomatic. Information on sexual preferences needs to be obtained.