Persistent morbidity in Clade IIb mpox patients: interim results of a long-term follow-up study, Belgium, June to November 2022

While mpox was well characterised during the 2022 global Clade IIb outbreak, little is known about persistent morbidity. We present interim results of a prospective cohort study of 95 mpox patients assessed 3-20 weeks post-symptom onset. Two-thirds of participants had residual morbidity, including 25 with persistent anorectal and 18 with genital symptoms. Loss of physical fitness, new-onset/worsened fatigue and mental health problems were reported in 36, 19 and 11 patients, respectively. These findings require attention by healthcare providers.

Automated summary

Little is known about persistent morbidity in mpox patients during the 2022 global Clade IIb outbreak. A prospective cohort study of 95 mpox patients assessed 3-20 weeks post-symptom onset found that two-thirds of participants had residual morbidity, including persistence of anorectal and genital symptoms in 25 and 18 patients, respectively. Additionally, loss of physical fitness, new-onset/worsened fatigue, and mental health problems were reported in 36, 19, and 11 patients, respectively. These findings require attention from healthcare providers.