High Prevalence of Varicella Zoster Virus Infection among Persons with Suspect Mpox Cases during an Mpox Outbreak in Kenya, 2024

Kenya is experiencing a clade Ib mpox outbreak, with 28 confirmed cases reported by the Ministry of Health from July to December 2024. Polymerase chain reaction testing was performed for varicella zoster virus (VZV). Testing was also part of the differential diagnosis for mpox, and a subset of cases was genetically sequenced. Of 277 specimens tested for mpox, 170 (61%) tested positive for VZV, including instances of coinfection with both viruses in four cases. Genome analysis was used to identify clade 5 human alphaherpesvirus 3 in eight of the genetically sequenced cases. Expanding laboratory capacity during this outbreak enhanced disease intelligence by confirming another etiology of rash among patients who tested negative for mpox, underscoring the need for a broad differential diagnosis when diseases present with overlapping clinical signs and symptoms.

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Publication Details

Journal
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Published
2025-10-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.25-0308
Primary Topic
Poxvirus research and outbreaks
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

High Prevalence of Varicella Zoster Virus Infection among Persons with Suspect Mpox Cases during an Mpox Outbreak in Kenya, 2024

Abdi Roba, Abubakar Hussein, Daniel Langat, Bonventure Juma et al.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Poxvirus research and outbreaks
article

High Prevalence of Varicella Zoster Virus Infection among Persons with Suspect Mpox Cases during an Mpox Outbreak in Kenya, 2024

Abdi Roba, Abubakar Hussein, Daniel Langat, Bonventure Juma, Clayton Onyango, Kimberly D. McCarthy, Emmanuel Okunga, Naomi W. Lucchi, Jeremiah Nyaundi, Amy Herman-Roloff, Shirley Lidechi, Jonas Z. Hines, John Kiiru, Morine Achieng, Derrick Amon, Melvin Ochieng, Ahmed Abade, Pius Mutuku, Lucy Munyeki, Fredrick Mutisya, Barbara Jepkorir, Elekiah Anguko
article en

Abstract

Kenya is experiencing a clade Ib mpox outbreak, with 28 confirmed cases reported by the Ministry of Health from July to December 2024. Polymerase chain reaction testing was performed for varicella zoster virus (VZV). Testing was also part of the differential diagnosis for mpox, and a subset of cases was genetically sequenced. Of 277 specimens tested for mpox, 170 (61%) tested positive for VZV, including instances of coinfection with both viruses in four cases. Genome analysis was used to identify clade 5 human alphaherpesvirus 3 in eight of the genetically sequenced cases. Expanding laboratory capacity during this outbreak enhanced disease intelligence by confirming another etiology of rash among patients who tested negative for mpox, underscoring the need for a broad differential diagnosis when diseases present with overlapping clinical signs and symptoms.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and HygieneVol. 113(6)
Kenya Medical Training College (KE), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KE), Ministry of Health (KE), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KE), African Field Epidemiology Network (UG)
Openalex Percentile: Top 68%
Poxvirus research and outbreaks
DOISourceOpenAlex
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