How Is Monkeypox Transmitted?
Monkeypox is a viral disease similar to smallpox but milder. The disease remains endemic in western and central Africa but has increasingly become a cause of concern as recent outbreaks have suggested a potential for global impact. But, how is this disease transmitted from person to person? Read on to know more.
Monkeypox is a viral disease similar to smallpox but milder. The disease remains endemic in western and central Africa but has increasingly become a cause of concern as recent outbreaks have suggested a potential for global impact. But, how is this disease transmitted from person to person? Read on to know more.
Monkeypox can be transmitted in the following ways —
◦ Direct Contact: The virus can be transmitted from infected animals (such as rodents or primates) through bites, scratches, or handling of animal carcasses.
◦ Consumption of Infected Meat: Eating undercooked meat from infected animals may also pose a risk.
◦ Respiratory Droplets: Prolonged face-to-face contact can lead to transmission through respiratory droplets, especially during close interactions.
◦ Direct Contact: Touching bodily fluids or lesions of an infected person can result in transmission.
◦ Contaminated Objects: The virus can survive on surfaces and objects (like bedding or clothing) used by infected individuals, leading to indirect transmission.
While not classified as a sexually transmitted infection, monkeypox can be spread through intimate contact, including sexual activity, particularly if lesions are present.
In some cases, the virus can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, through the placenta, or during childbirth. This is a rarer mode of how monkeypox is transmitted, but it’s an important one, as it highlights the risks for newborns whose immune systems are not fully developed. Awareness among pregnant women about these transmission risks is crucial in preventing neonatal infections.
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