How is the monkeypox spread from one individual to another?
The illness can spread from one person to another by close contact, such as face-to-face, skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth, or mouth-to-skin contact, including sexual intercourse. Patients with monkeypox are normally contagious until all lesions have crusted over, all scabs have fallen off, and a new layer of skin has formed below. We are still learning how long monkeypox patients are infectious, though.
Contamination by the monkeypox virus can happen in settings, such as when an infected person touches objects including clothes, beds, towels, gadgets, and surfaces. Other people may become ill if they come into contact with these objects. Inhaling skin flakes or touching contaminated clothing, blankets, or towels can potentially spread viruses. This is the process of fomite transmission.
If there are ulcers, lesions, or sores in the mouth, the virus may spread by short-range aerosols, respiratory droplets, and direct contact with the mouth. There may be unidentified factors that contribute to monkeypox transmission through the air, and research is being conducted to learn more.
Additionally, the virus can be transmitted from a mother to her foetus during pregnancy, from a newborn to a parent through close contact, or from a parent who has monkeypox to a child.
It is unknown if asymptomatic people or other body fluids may spread infectious illnesses, despite the fact that cases of asymptomatic sickness have been reported. Although the monkeypox virus has been found in semen, it is uncertain if other bodily fluids such as blood, vaginal fluids, amniotic fluids, or breastfeeding might also spread the disease. Researchers are currently investigating whether people may spread monkeypox by exchanging these fluids during and after clinical disease.
How does the monkeypox spread from animals to humans?
Monkeypox can spread when a person comes in contact with an infected animal. Examples of animal hosts include rats and primates. Examples of animal hosts include rats and primates. The risk of catching monkeypox from wild animals can be reduced by avoiding unprotected contact with them, especially those that are ill or dead (including their meat and blood). In countries where monkeypox is endemic, all foods containing animal meat or parts should be thoroughly cooked before eating.
Can monkeypox spread from humans to animals?
Although there haven’t been any examples of people transmitting monkeypox to animals, it is a possibility. If you have evidence of monkeypox or a suspicion that you could have it, stay away from all close contact with animals, including pets (such as cats, dogs, hamsters, and gerbils), livestock, and wildlife. If you have monkeypox, you should be particularly cautious around rodents and non-human primates because they are known to be susceptible to the disease.