1. Monkeypox spreads from person to person
The World Health Organization says monkeypox is spread from person to person through close contact with someone infected with the monkeypox virus.
Close contact includes being face-to-face (such as talking or breathing close together, which can create short-range droplets or aerosols); skin-to-skin (such as touching or vaginal/anal sex); word of mouth (such as kissing); or mouth-to-skin contact (such as oral sex or skin kissing). During the global outbreak that began in 2022, the virus was mainly spread through sexual contact.
People with monkeypox are considered infectious until all lesions have crusted over, the scabs have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed underneath, and all lesions on the eyes and upper body (mouth, throat, eyes, vagina). and anus) have also healed, which usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Monkeypox virus can also survive for some time on clothing, bed sheets, towels, objects, electronics, and surfaces touched by an infected person. Other people who touch these items can become infected, especially if they have any cuts or scratches or touch their eyes, nose, mouth or other mucous membranes without washing their hands first. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces/objects and washing hands after touching potentially contaminated surfaces/objects can help prevent this type of transmission.
The virus can also spread to the fetus during pregnancy, during or after birth through skin-to-skin contact, or from a parent with monkeypox to an infant or young child through close contact.
Although transmission from asymptomatic people (showing no symptoms) has been reported, there is limited information about whether the virus can be transmitted from people who are infected before they show symptoms. after their wounds have healed. Although live monkeypox virus has been isolated from semen, it is not known whether the infection can be spread through semen, vaginal fluid, amniotic fluid, breast milk, or blood.
2. From animals to humans
Monkeypox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with infected animals such as certain species of monkeys and terrestrial rodents (such as tree squirrels). Physical contact may be through bites, scratches, or during activities such as hunting, skinning, trapping, or cooking. The virus can also be transmitted by eating infected animals if the meat is not thoroughly cooked.
The risk of contracting monkeypox from animals can be reduced by avoiding unprotected contact with wild animals, especially sick or dead ones (including their flesh and blood). In countries where animals carry the virus, any food containing animal parts or meat must be thoroughly cooked before eating.
3. From humans to animals
There have been several reports of monkeypox virus being identified in pets. However, it has not been confirmed whether these are real infections or whether the detection of the virus is related to surface contamination.
Because many animal species are known to be susceptible to monkeypox virus, it is possible for the virus to spread from humans to animals in a variety of settings. People with confirmed or suspected monkeypox should avoid close contact with animals, including pets (such as cats, dogs, hamsters, gerbils), livestock, and wild animals.
4. What do we know about monkeypox and sex?
Monkeypox can be spread through any type of close contact, including through kissing, touching, oral sex, and vaginal or anal penetration with someone who has the infection. People who have sex with multiple partners or have new partners are at the highest risk.
Anyone with a new and unusual rash or lesion should avoid sex or any other form of close contact with others until they have been tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). ) and monkeypox. Remember that rashes can also appear in hard-to-see places inside the body, including the mouth, throat, genitals, vagina, and anal/anal area.
If monkeypox is sexually transmitted in your community or living area, consider reducing the risk until the outbreak is controlled by:
- Talk openly with your partner about the symptoms and risks of monkeypox;
- Exchange contact details with your partner so you can notify each other if you develop symptoms;
- Take a break from sex;
- Reduce the number of new, one-time, or anonymous sexual partners;
- Use condoms regularly;
- Avoid group sex;
- Avoid on-site sex venues (such as cruise ship bars, saunas, and darkrooms);
- Avoid using alcohol or drugs in a sexual context (including using drugs during sex).
