Zoonotic poxvirus lesions vs mosquito bite lesions: differential diagnosis of the uncommon vs the common

Abstract

A returning traveller presents with skin lesions resembling an orthopox virus infection and a history of animal contact. Despite the suggestive presentation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) rules out this rare differential diagnosis. The clinical course and histologic analysis lead to the diagnosis of insect bites; a common traveller’s affliction with an unusual presentation.