Transmission of Atypical Varicella‐Zoster Virus Infections Involving Palm and Sole Manifestations in an Area with Monkeypox Endemicity

Abstract

During a suspected monkeypox outbreak in the Republic of Congo, we documented transmission of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection with palm and sole manifestations among 5 family members. Genotyping results confirmed the VZV strain European E2, a genotype not previously reported in Africa. VZV with palm and sole involvement should be considered when differentiating a monkeypox diagnosis.