An outbreak* of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) has been detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The WHO has reported that the case fatality rate—the percent of detected cases that are fatal—is 4.6%, or 1 in 22. That represents 581 deaths among 12,569 suspected cases in the 2023 outbreak. This is high. By comparison, the Mpox outbreak of 2022 that was
Another interpretation to explain high positivity rates is that physicians diagnostic skill increases. They test fewer patients whom they believe have a low probability of having disease. This may be particularly true in a resource poor area either because patients can’t afford the test or it isn’t easily available.
That’s a good point. I think my personal batting average in MA last year was 2 of 3. Most of my colleagues tested 0-1 people. But I knew to look beyond the rash.
That said, you’re not going to get 65% positivity on anything acute. Ya know?
Glad it was useful! Sometimes posts like these are less “popular” than others which are widely read/shared beyond the subscribers. But people do miss these ones when I don’t have time to do them. Always a balance. Thank you for being here!
Another interpretation to explain high positivity rates is that physicians diagnostic skill increases. They test fewer patients whom they believe have a low probability of having disease. This may be particularly true in a resource poor area either because patients can’t afford the test or it isn’t easily available.
That’s a good point. I think my personal batting average in MA last year was 2 of 3. Most of my colleagues tested 0-1 people. But I knew to look beyond the rash.
That said, you’re not going to get 65% positivity on anything acute. Ya know?
Very good data & citations Dr. Faust, as usual. ✍️ Thx.
Glad it was useful! Sometimes posts like these are less “popular” than others which are widely read/shared beyond the subscribers. But people do miss these ones when I don’t have time to do them. Always a balance. Thank you for being here!