Morbilliform Rash: An Uncommon Herald of SARS-CoV-2

Kulkarni, Radhika B; Lederman, Yitzchok; Afiari, Agura; Savage, Jacqueline A; Jacob, Jason

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019 after an outbreak of flu-like illness. The disease came to be known as the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). It has spread quickly, spanning many countries, and has become a global pandemic. As this is a novel virus, its varied manifestations and symptomatology are coming to light daily. Although most threatening to the respiratory system, this virus has the propensity to affect multiple organ systems quickly leading to multi-organ dysfunction. Many dermatologic manifestations have been reported with no clear pattern. Most data have been anecdotal. Here we present a 78-year-old male who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with no usual symptoms that would alert one of the possibilities of COVID-19. He did, however, have a diffuse morbilliform rash most notable on the trunk and back. He went on to develop fever thereafter but did not develop any respiratory complications. The rash was short-lived and was treated with topical steroids and oral antihistamines. It is important to know and report new findings of novel diseases not only for diagnosis and treatment but also to place appropriate isolation precautions and containment. Rash may be the initial and sometimes the only manifestation of COVID-19.