Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Monkeypox infection may cause serious heart issues – Study

Monkeypox is a virus closely related to others that “already have an established direct or indirect association with cardiac tissue injury.�

Monkeypox infection may cause serious heart issues – Study

According to a recent case study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC: Case Reports), a week after the onset of monkeypox symptoms, a 31-year-old man with confirmed monkeypox infection reportedly developed acute myocarditis - an inflammation of the heart muscle typically caused by a viral infection.

While the patient is reported to have had a SARS-CoV-2 infection two months before contracting monkeypox, in this case, researchers suspect the monkeypox illness may have caused acute myocarditis.


Since the man had already recovered from COVID-19 and had monkeypox symptoms, doctors believe monkeypox was the source of the heart illness.

Commenting about the same, the study authors state, “There have been few cases of histologically confirmed myocarditis, and viral myocarditis caused directly by SARS-CoV-2 has not been definitively confirmed but assumed because of epidemiologic context.”

The man supposedly visited a health clinic five days following the onset of symptoms which included malaise, myalgia, fever and multiple swollen lesions on the face, hands and genitalia.

Monkeypox infection was confirmed with a PCR swab sample of a skin lesion. However, the patient returned to the emergency department three days later complaining of chest tightness radiating through the left arm.

When the patient returned to the health clinic, he was admitted to an intensive care unit after initial routine examination with the clinical suspicion of acute myocarditis, a report featured in the American College of Cardiology (ACC) informs.

The initial ECG showed abnormalities and routine laboratory tests too revealed elevated levels of C-reactive protein, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), high-sensitivity troponin I and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), all of which indicates stress injury to the heart.

Additionally, the results of the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) study performed on the patient were consistent with myocardial inflammation and a diagnosis of acute myocarditis.

The authors of the study also note that monkeypox is a virus closely related to others that “already have an established direct or indirect association with cardiac tissue injury.” For instance, smallpox has been associated with cardiovascular problems, Medical News Today reports.

Lead author of the study, Dr Ana Isabel Pinho who also works in the cardiology department at São João University Hospital Center in Portugal, is quoted as saying, “This case highlights cardiac involvement as a potential complication associated with monkeypox infection.”

She adds, “We believe that reporting this potential causal relationship can raise more awareness of the scientific community and health professionals for acute myocarditis as a possible complication associated with monkeypox. [It] might be helpful for close monitoring of affected patients for further recognition of other complications in the future.”

Julia Grapsa, editor-in-chief of JACC: Case Reports is quoted as saying, “Through this important case study, we are developing a deeper understanding of monkeypox, viral myocarditis and how to accurately diagnose and manage this disease.”

Though the patient fully recovered and was discharged after a week, the authors of the study have said that further research is needed to identify the relationship between monkeypox and heart injury.

Monkeypox is transmitted through close contact with lesions, bodily fluids or respiratory droplets, and though most infections are mild, symptoms can last between two to four weeks.

More than 50,000 monkeypox cases have been recorded globally and the WHO has listed 50,496 cases and 16 deaths as reported this year.

More For You

Andrew Tate Sued by Ex-Girlfriend Brianna Stern Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Tate’s attorney, Joseph McBride, has dismissed the lawsuit

Getty

Andrew Tate faces sexual assault lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern

Social media personality Andrew Tate is facing a new lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, Brianna Stern, who has accused him of sexual assault, battery, and gender violence. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, details allegations of abuse and an incident that allegedly took place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on 11 March 2025.

Allegations in the lawsuit

According to the legal complaint, Stern claims that Tate initially appeared as a "dream come true" but later became emotionally and physically abusive. The lawsuit describes a violent encounter at the hotel, where she alleges Tate physically assaulted and threatened her.

Keep ReadingShow less
Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Soumik Datta (R) and Gurdain Singh Rayatt

Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Mahesh Liloriya

The inaugural edition of Voices of Faith commenced on Friday at the iconic Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, marking the beginning of an extraordinary three-day festival exploring theological philosophies, interfaith dialogues, and the deeper essence of spirituality through conversations, music, and healing vibes.

Organised by Teamwork Arts, the creators of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London, Voices of Faith is presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners of this landmark event. This unique festival seeks to offer insights into navigating the complexities of modern life through the timeless wisdom enshrined in global religious traditions. It focuses on the universal ideals of compassion and interconnectedness that underpin the world’s faiths, fostering dialogue that transcends barriers and deepens mutual understanding.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain (Photo for representation: iStock)

Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

A PAKISTANI man convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 13 will face a fresh deportation hearing after the Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain, reported The Times.

The offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had initially won his case to stay in the UK after claiming he would face "inhuman or degrading treatment" if sent back to Pakistan due to his alcoholism.

Keep ReadingShow less
India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

Rescue teams work to save residents trapped under the rubble of the destroyed Sky Villa Condominium development in Mandalay on March 29, 2025. (Photo by SAI AUNG MAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

INDIA has swiftly responded to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar by launching Operation Brahma, sending emergency relief and rescue teams to the disaster-stricken nation.

A C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed in Yangon on Saturday (29), carrying 15 tonnes of relief supplies including hygiene kits, blankets and food parcels. The aid mission comes after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday (28), killing more than 1,000 people and injuring nearly 2,400 others.

Keep ReadingShow less
Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

Pakistan stands at 109th place out of 147 countries

Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

THE UK has experienced a significant blow to its national morale, plummeting to 23rd place in the World Happiness Report for 2025 – its lowest ranking ever – despite being the world’s sixth richest nation.

Released to mark the UN’s International Day of Happiness last Thursday (20), the report provided a nuanced exploration of national contentment that extends far beyond economic measurements.

Keep ReadingShow less