Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus is part of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox, but monkeypox is generally milder. Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a smallpox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name "monkeypox."
Monkeypox does not typically spread easily between people. However, it can be transmitted through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
These are some of the ways that monkeypox can spread. In the next section, we will discuss the symptoms of monkeypox and how to prevent infection.
How does monkeypox spread
Monkeypox spreads through close, personal contact.
- Direct skin-to-skin contact
- Contact with respiratory droplets
- Contact with contaminated objects
- Mother-to-child transmission
- Animal-to-human transmission
- Laboratory exposure
- Contact with infected bodily fluids
- Contact with contaminated clothing or bedding
Monkeypox can also spread from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with an infected animal's blood or bodily fluids.
Direct skin-to-skin contact
Direct skin-to-skin contact is the most common way that monkeypox spreads from person to person.
- Touching or kissing an infected person
Monkeypox can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. This includes touching or kissing an infected person's skin, even if the rash is not visible.
- Sharing towels, clothing, or bedding with an infected person
Monkeypox can also spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as towels, clothing, or bedding that have been used by an infected person. This is because the virus can survive on these surfaces for several hours.
- Having sex with an infected person
Monkeypox can also be spread through sexual contact. This is because the virus can be present in bodily fluids, including semen and vaginal fluids.
- Giving birth to a baby with monkeypox
Monkeypox can also be spread from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth. This is called mother-to-child transmission.
It is important to note that monkeypox is not as easily spread as other viruses, such as COVID-19. However, it is still important to take precautions to avoid infection.
Contact with respiratory droplets
Monkeypox can also spread through contact with respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets are tiny droplets of fluid that are released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
- Inhaling respiratory droplets from an infected person
Monkeypox can spread when an uninfected person inhales respiratory droplets from an infected person. This can happen when the infected person is coughing, sneezing, or talking.
- Being in close contact with an infected person for a prolonged period of time
Monkeypox can also spread when an uninfected person is in close contact with an infected person for a prolonged period of time. This can happen in a household setting, a healthcare setting, or other settings where people are in close proximity to each other.
- Touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with respiratory droplets
Monkeypox can also spread when an uninfected person touches surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with respiratory droplets from an infected person. This can happen if the infected person has coughed or sneezed on the surface or object, or if they have touched the surface or object with their hands after coughing or sneezing.
- Being in a poorly ventilated area
Monkeypox is more likely to spread in poorly ventilated areas, where respiratory droplets can linger in the air for longer periods of time. This is why it is important to ensure that indoor spaces are well-ventilated, especially in healthcare settings and other settings where people are in close proximity to each other.
It is important to note that monkeypox is not as easily spread as other viruses, such as COVID-19. However, it is still important to take precautions to avoid infection.
Contact with contaminated objects
Monkeypox can also spread through contact with contaminated objects. This can happen when an uninfected person touches an object that has been contaminated with the virus from an infected person. The virus can survive on surfaces for several hours, so it is important to clean and disinfect surfaces that may have been contaminated.
Some examples of contaminated objects that can spread monkeypox include:
- Clothing or bedding that has been used by an infected person
- Towels that have been used by an infected person
- Medical equipment that has been used on an infected person
- Surfaces that have been touched by an infected person, such as doorknobs, countertops, or keyboards
- Toys that have been used by an infected child
To avoid infection, it is important to clean and disinfect surfaces that may have been contaminated with the monkeypox virus. This can be done using a household disinfectant or a bleach solution. It is also important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching surfaces that may have been contaminated.
If you have been in contact with someone who has monkeypox, it is important to monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days. If you develop any symptoms, such as a rash, fever, or headache, you should see a doctor immediately.
Mother-to-child transmission
Monkeypox can also be spread from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth. This is called mother-to-child transmission.
- Placental transmission
Monkeypox can cross the placenta and infect the baby during pregnancy. This can lead to serious health problems for the baby, including premature birth, low birth weight, and death.
- Contact with infected maternal fluids or tissues during childbirth
Monkeypox can also be spread to the baby during childbirth if the mother has an active infection. This can happen through contact with infected maternal fluids or tissues, such as blood, vaginal fluid, or amniotic fluid.
- Contact with infected skin lesions after birth
Monkeypox can also be spread to the baby after birth through contact with infected skin lesions on the mother's body. This can happen if the mother has an active infection and the baby comes into contact with the lesions.
- Breastfeeding
There is some evidence that monkeypox can be spread through breastfeeding. However, the risk of transmission through breastfeeding is low.
To prevent mother-to-child transmission of monkeypox, it is important for pregnant women to avoid contact with people who are infected with the virus. Pregnant women who have been exposed to monkeypox should see a doctor immediately.
Animal-to-human transmission
Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, which means that it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The primary animal reservoir for monkeypox is believed to be rodents, such as squirrels, rats, and mice. However, other animals, such as monkeys, apes, and antelope, can also carry the virus.
Humans can become infected with monkeypox through contact with an infected animal or its bodily fluids. This can happen through a bite, scratch, or contact with the animal's blood, urine, or feces. It is also possible to become infected by eating meat or other products from an infected animal that has not been properly cooked.
Animal-to-human transmission of monkeypox is most common in areas where people live in close proximity to animals, such as in rural areas or areas where people hunt or eat wild animals. However, it is important to note that monkeypox can also be spread from person to person, so it is important to take precautions to avoid infection regardless of whether you live in an area where monkeypox is common.
To prevent animal-to-human transmission of monkeypox, it is important to avoid contact with wild animals, especially rodents. If you must handle an animal that may be infected with monkeypox, wear gloves and other protective clothing. It is also important to cook meat and other animal products thoroughly before eating them.
Laboratory exposure
Monkeypox can also be spread through laboratory exposure. This can happen when a person working in a laboratory comes into contact with the virus.
- Accidental needle stick or other sharps injury
Laboratory workers can become infected with monkeypox if they accidentally stick themselves with a needle or other sharp object that has been contaminated with the virus.
- Contact with infected materials
Laboratory workers can also become infected with monkeypox if they come into contact with infected materials, such as blood, urine, or feces, from an infected animal or person.
- Inhalation of aerosolized virus
Laboratory workers can also become infected with monkeypox if they inhale aerosolized virus. This can happen if the virus is released into the air during laboratory procedures.
- Contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment
Laboratory workers can also become infected with monkeypox if they touch surfaces or equipment that have been contaminated with the virus.
To prevent laboratory exposure to monkeypox, it is important for laboratory workers to follow strict safety procedures. This includes wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, gowns, and masks, and working in a laboratory that is equipped with adequate ventilation and safety features.
Contact with infected bodily fluids
Monkeypox can also be spread through contact with infected bodily fluids. This can happen when an uninfected person comes into contact with the blood, saliva, urine, or feces of an infected person.
- Touching or kissing an infected person
Monkeypox can spread through contact with the saliva or mucus of an infected person. This can happen when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, or when an uninfected person touches or kisses an infected person.
- Sharing utensils or cups with an infected person
Monkeypox can also spread through contact with the saliva or mucus of an infected person. This can happen when an uninfected person shares utensils or cups with an infected person.
- Touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with infected bodily fluids
Monkeypox can also spread through contact with surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with the blood, saliva, urine, or feces of an infected person. This can happen if an infected person has touched or coughed or sneezed on a surface or object, or if an uninfected person touches a surface or object that has been contaminated with infected bodily fluids.
- Having sex with an infected person
Monkeypox can also be spread through sexual contact. This is because the virus can be present in bodily fluids, including semen and vaginal fluids.
To avoid infection, it is important to avoid contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. This includes avoiding contact with their saliva, mucus, blood, urine, and feces. It is also important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching surfaces or objects that may have been contaminated with infected bodily fluids.
Contact with contaminated clothing or bedding
Monkeypox can also be spread through contact with contaminated clothing or bedding. This can happen when an uninfected person comes into contact with clothing or bedding that has been contaminated with the virus from an infected person.
- Touching or handling contaminated clothing or bedding
Monkeypox can spread through contact with contaminated clothing or bedding. This can happen if an uninfected person touches or handles clothing or bedding that has been contaminated with the virus from an infected person.
- Sleeping in the same bed as an infected person
Monkeypox can also spread through contact with contaminated bedding. This can happen if an uninfected person sleeps in the same bed as an infected person.
- Touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with infected clothing or bedding
Monkeypox can also spread through contact with surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with infected clothing or bedding. This can happen if an infected person has touched or coughed or sneezed on a surface or object, or if an uninfected person touches a surface or object that has been contaminated with infected clothing or bedding.
- Washing contaminated clothing or bedding with other items
Monkeypox can also spread if contaminated clothing or bedding is washed with other items. This is because the virus can be transferred from the contaminated items to the other items in the wash.
To avoid infection, it is important to avoid contact with contaminated clothing or bedding. This includes avoiding contact with clothing or bedding that has been worn or used by an infected person. It is also important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching surfaces or objects that may have been contaminated with infected clothing or bedding.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how monkeypox spreads:
Question 1: How is monkeypox spread?
Monkeypox is spread through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
- Direct contact with skin lesions or scabs of an infected person
- Contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person
- Contact with contaminated objects or surfaces
- Contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, urine, or feces
- From an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth
Question 2: Is monkeypox spread through casual contact?
No, monkeypox is not spread through casual contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or sitting near an infected person.
Question 3: Can monkeypox be spread through the air?
Yes, monkeypox can be spread through the air over short distances through respiratory droplets. However, this is not the main way that monkeypox is spread.
Question 4: Can monkeypox be spread through food or water?
There is no evidence that monkeypox can be spread through food or water.
Question 5: Can monkeypox be spread through sex?
Yes, monkeypox can be spread through sexual contact. The virus can be present in semen and vaginal fluids.
Question 6: Can monkeypox be spread from animals to humans?
Yes, monkeypox can be spread from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with an infected animal's blood or bodily fluids.
Question 7: How can I protect myself from monkeypox?
There are several things you can do to protect yourself from monkeypox, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who have monkeypox
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Wear a mask when you are in close contact with someone who has monkeypox
- Get vaccinated against monkeypox if you are eligible
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If you have any questions about monkeypox, please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
In addition to the information in the FAQ, here are some additional tips to help you prevent the spread of monkeypox:
Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you prevent the spread of monkeypox:
Tip 1: Avoid close contact with people who have monkeypox
The most important thing you can do to prevent monkeypox is to avoid close contact with people who have the virus. This includes avoiding contact with their skin lesions, respiratory droplets, and bodily fluids.
Tip 2: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of monkeypox. Wash your hands after touching surfaces or objects that may be contaminated with the virus, and after coughing, sneezing, or touching your face.
Tip 3: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
The monkeypox virus can enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. Avoid touching these areas with unwashed hands, especially if you are in a public place or have been in contact with someone who is infected.
Tip 4: Wear a mask when you are in close contact with someone who has monkeypox
If you are caring for someone who has monkeypox, or if you are in a healthcare setting where you may come into contact with someone who has monkeypox, wear a mask to protect yourself from respiratory droplets.
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By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of getting monkeypox and protect others from getting sick.
Monkeypox is a serious illness, but it can be prevented. By taking steps to protect yourself, you can help to stop the spread of the virus.
Conclusion
Monkeypox is a serious illness, but it can be prevented. The virus is spread through close, personal contact, including contact with skin lesions, respiratory droplets, contaminated objects or surfaces, and bodily fluids. It can also be spread from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth, or through contact with an infected animal.
There are several things you can do to protect yourself from monkeypox, including:
- Avoiding close contact with people who have monkeypox
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Wearing a mask when you are in close contact with someone who has monkeypox
- Getting vaccinated against monkeypox if you are eligible
By taking these steps, you can help to reduce your risk of getting monkeypox and protect others from getting sick.
Closing Message
If you have any symptoms of monkeypox, such as a rash, fever, muscle aches, or swollen lymph nodes, see your doctor or healthcare provider right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.