Monkeypox is a viral infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans or from human to human. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is a member of the orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes smallpox and cowpox. Monkeypox is usually a mild disease, but it can be serious in some cases.
In the current outbreak, most cases have been transmitted through close contact with an infected person, such as through sexual contact, sharing bodily fluids, or touching contaminated surfaces. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and to seek medical attention if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.
Let's delve deeper into how monkeypox is transmitted and the precautions you can take to protect yourself against it.
how can you get monkeypox
Monkeypox is transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal, or through contact with contaminated materials.
- Close contact with infected person
- Sexual contact
- Sharing bodily fluids
- Touching contaminated surfaces
- Contact with infected animals
- Contact with contaminated blood
- Contact with respiratory droplets
- Eating undercooked meat
It is important to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and to seek medical attention if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.
Close contact with infected person
Close contact with an infected person is the most common way to get monkeypox. This can happen through direct contact with their skin or bodily fluids, or through contact with surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with the virus.
- Direct contact with skin or bodily fluids
This includes touching or kissing an infected person, or sharing bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, or semen.
- Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
This includes touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with the virus, such as clothing, bedding, or medical equipment.
- Sexual contact
Monkeypox can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. This includes oral, anal, and vaginal sex.
- Prolonged face-to-face contact
Monkeypox can also be transmitted through prolonged face-to-face contact with an infected person. This can happen when someone coughs or sneezes on you, or if you share a meal or drink with them.
It is important to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and to seek medical attention if you think you may have been exposed to the virus. You should also avoid close contact with people who are infected with monkeypox, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Sexual contact
Monkeypox can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. This includes oral, anal, and vaginal sex. The virus can be present in bodily fluids, including saliva, semen, and vaginal fluid. When an infected person engages in sexual activity with someone who is not infected, the virus can be transmitted through direct contact with these fluids.
The risk of getting monkeypox from sexual contact is higher if you have multiple sexual partners, or if you have sex with someone who has a rash or other symptoms of monkeypox. You can also get monkeypox if you touch the rash of an infected person during sex.
To reduce your risk of getting monkeypox from sexual contact, you should:
- Avoid having sex with anyone who has a rash or other symptoms of monkeypox.
- Use condoms during sex, even if you do not have symptoms of monkeypox.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after sex.
- Get vaccinated against monkeypox if you are eligible.
If you think you may have been exposed to monkeypox through sexual contact, you should see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.
It is important to remember that monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the traditional sense. It is a viral infection that can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person, regardless of whether or not sex is involved. However, sexual contact is one of the most common ways that monkeypox is currently being transmitted.
Sharing bodily fluids
Monkeypox can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids from an infected person. Bodily fluids that can contain the virus include:
- Saliva
This can happen when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can also get monkeypox if you share food or drinks with an infected person.
- Blood
This can happen if you come into contact with the blood of an infected person, for example, if you have a cut or open wound.
- Semen and vaginal fluids
This can happen during sexual contact with an infected person.
- Maternal fluids
This can happen during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding if the mother is infected with monkeypox.
It is important to avoid contact with bodily fluids from an infected person. You should also wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coming into contact with someone who is infected with monkeypox.
Touching contaminated surfaces
Monkeypox can be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. This can happen when an infected person coughs or sneezes on a surface, or when they touch a surface with their infected skin or bodily fluids. The virus can then be transferred to another person who touches the contaminated surface.
- Doorknobs and handles
These are common surfaces that can be contaminated with the monkeypox virus, especially in public places.
- Tabletops and chairs
These are other common surfaces that can be contaminated with the virus, especially in healthcare settings or other places where people with monkeypox are being cared for.
- Clothing and bedding
Clothing and bedding that has been contaminated with the virus can also transmit the infection to other people who touch it.
- Medical equipment
Medical equipment that has been used on an infected person can also be contaminated with the virus and transmit it to other people.
To reduce your risk of getting monkeypox from touching contaminated surfaces, you should:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching surfaces in public places or healthcare settings.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs and handles, with a household disinfectant.
- Avoid sharing personal items, such as clothing, bedding, and towels, with someone who is infected with monkeypox.
Contact with infected animals
Monkeypox can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals. This can happen through a bite or scratch from an infected animal, or through contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of an infected animal.
- Wild animals
Monkeypox is most commonly found in wild animals in central and west Africa, such as monkeys, squirrels, and rats. Travelers to these areas should avoid contact with wild animals, especially if they appear to be sick or injured.
- Exotic pets
Monkeypox can also be transmitted to humans from exotic pets, such as prairie dogs, Gambian rats, and rope squirrels. These animals can become infected with monkeypox if they are imported from areas where the virus is found.
- Pets
In the current outbreak, there have been a few cases of pets, such as dogs, becoming infected with monkeypox from their owners. However, the risk of getting monkeypox from a pet is very low.
- Animal carcasses
Hunting or butchering an infected animal can also lead to infection with monkeypox.
To reduce your risk of getting monkeypox from contact with infected animals, you should:
- Avoid contact with wild animals, especially in areas where monkeypox is known to be present.
- Avoid contact with exotic pets that have been imported from areas where monkeypox is found.
- If you have a pet, keep it up-to-date on its vaccinations and avoid contact with animals that are sick or injured.
- Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling animal carcasses.
Contact with contaminated blood
Monkeypox can be transmitted through contact with contaminated blood. This can happen if you have a cut or open wound that comes into contact with the blood of an infected person. It can also happen if you receive a blood transfusion from an infected person.
Blood transfusions are very safe, and the risk of getting monkeypox from a blood transfusion is very low. However, it is important to be aware of the risk, especially if you are in an area where monkeypox is spreading.
To reduce your risk of getting monkeypox from contact with contaminated blood, you should:
- Avoid contact with the blood of an infected person.
- If you have a cut or open wound, cover it with a bandage and avoid contact with other people's blood.
- If you are receiving a blood transfusion, make sure that the blood has been screened for monkeypox.
If you think you may have been exposed to monkeypox through contact with contaminated blood, you should see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.
It is important to note that monkeypox is not a bloodborne pathogen in the same way that HIV and hepatitis B are. This means that it is not as easily transmitted through contact with blood. However, it is still possible to get monkeypox from contact with contaminated blood, so it is important to take precautions.
Contact with respiratory droplets
Monkeypox can be transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. This can happen when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Respiratory droplets are small particles of fluid that can contain the virus. If you breathe in these droplets, you can become infected with monkeypox.
- Coughing and sneezing
When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release respiratory droplets into the air. These droplets can travel up to six feet and can be inhaled by other people.
- Talking
When an infected person talks, they can also release respiratory droplets into the air. These droplets are smaller and can travel further than droplets from coughs and sneezes. However, they are less likely to contain the virus.
- Singing and shouting
Singing and shouting can produce more respiratory droplets than talking. This is because these activities require more forceful exhalation of air.
- Close contact
The risk of getting monkeypox from contact with respiratory droplets is higher if you are in close contact with an infected person. This means being within six feet of an infected person for a prolonged period of time.
To reduce your risk of getting monkeypox from contact with respiratory droplets, you should:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wear a mask in public places, especially if you are in an area where monkeypox is spreading.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Eating undercooked meat
Monkeypox can be transmitted through eating undercooked meat from an infected animal. This is because the virus can survive in the meat even after it has been cooked. Eating undercooked meat from an infected animal can also lead to other infections, such as salmonella and E. coli.
The risk of getting monkeypox from eating undercooked meat is highest in areas where the virus is common in animals. However, it is important to note that monkeypox can be transmitted through eating undercooked meat from any animal, even if the animal does not appear to be sick.
To reduce your risk of getting monkeypox from eating undercooked meat, you should:
- Cook meat thoroughly before eating it.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, especially meat from wild animals.
- When handling raw meat, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
- Do not eat meat from animals that appear to be sick or have died from an unknown cause.
If you are traveling to an area where monkeypox is common, you should be especially careful about eating meat. You should only eat meat that has been cooked thoroughly and avoid eating raw or undercooked meat.
Eating undercooked meat is a risk factor for a number of infections, not just monkeypox. By following the above precautions, you can reduce your risk of getting sick from eating undercooked meat.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to get monkeypox:
Question 1: How is monkeypox transmitted?
Answer: Monkeypox is primarily transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal, or through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. It can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets, but this is less common.
Question 2: What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
Answer: Symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body.
Question 3: How can I protect myself from getting monkeypox?
Answer: There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from getting monkeypox, including avoiding close contact with people who are infected, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding touching your face.
Question 4: Is there a vaccine for monkeypox?
Answer: There is a vaccine for monkeypox that is available in some countries. The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, but it can also be given after exposure to help prevent or reduce symptoms.
Question 5: What should I do if I think I have been exposed to monkeypox?
Answer: If you think you have been exposed to monkeypox, you should see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.
Question 6: How long does monkeypox last?
Answer: Monkeypox typically lasts for 2-4 weeks. However, some people may experience symptoms for a longer period of time.
Question 7: Can monkeypox be fatal?
Answer: Monkeypox can be fatal, but it is rare. The risk of death from monkeypox is highest in people who have weakened immune systems.
Question 8: What is the current situation with the monkeypox outbreak?
Answer: The current monkeypox outbreak is the largest outbreak ever recorded outside of Africa. As of August 2022, there have been over 30,000 cases reported in over 80 countries.
Question 9: What are health authorities doing to control the monkeypox outbreak?
Answer: Health authorities are working to control the monkeypox outbreak by implementing a number of measures, including contact tracing, isolation of infected people, and vaccination.
Question 10: What can I do to help control the monkeypox outbreak?
Answer: There are a number of things you can do to help control the monkeypox outbreak, including getting vaccinated, avoiding close contact with people who are infected, and washing your hands frequently.
Question 11: How effective is monkeypox treatment?
Answer: There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but the symptoms can be treated. Treatment may include supportive care, such as pain relievers and fluids, and antiviral medications.
Question 12: How long does it take to recover from monkeypox?
Answer: Most people recover from monkeypox within 2-4 weeks. However, some people may experience symptoms for a longer period of time.
Question 13: Can monkeypox be prevented?
Answer: Monkeypox can be prevented by getting vaccinated, avoiding close contact with people who are infected, and washing your hands frequently.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
If you have any other questions about monkeypox, please speak to your doctor or other healthcare provider.
Now that you know how to get monkeypox, here are some tips to help you protect yourself from the virus.
Tips
Here are four practical tips to help you protect yourself from monkeypox:
Tip 1: Get vaccinated
If you are eligible for the monkeypox vaccine, get vaccinated as soon as possible. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it is the best way to protect yourself from the virus.
Tip 2: Avoid close contact with people who are infected
If you know someone who has monkeypox, avoid close contact with them. This means staying at least six feet away from them and avoiding touching them or their belongings.
Tip 3: Wash your hands frequently
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coming into contact with someone who is infected with monkeypox or after touching surfaces or objects that may be contaminated with the virus.
Tip 4: Avoid touching your face
Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. This is because the virus can enter your body through these openings.
Tip 5: Practice respiratory hygiene
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues immediately and wash your hands afterwards.
Tip 6: Clean and disinfect surfaces
Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, tables, and chairs. Use a household disinfectant that is effective against monkeypox.
Tip 7: Stay informed
Stay informed about the latest news and information about monkeypox. This will help you to make informed decisions about how to protect yourself and others.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from monkeypox and reduce the spread of the virus.
Monkeypox is a serious virus, but it can be prevented. By taking the necessary precautions, you can help to protect yourself and others from the virus.
Conclusion
Monkeypox is a serious virus, but it can be prevented. By taking the necessary precautions, you can help to protect yourself and others from the virus.
The main points to remember about how to get monkeypox are:
- Monkeypox is transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal, or through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
- The virus can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets, but this is less common.
- Symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body.
- There is a vaccine for monkeypox that is available in some countries. The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, but it can also be given after exposure to help prevent or reduce symptoms.
- There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but the symptoms can be treated. Treatment may include supportive care, such as pain relievers and fluids, and antiviral medications.
The best way to protect yourself from monkeypox is to get vaccinated, avoid close contact with people who are infected, and wash your hands frequently.
Closing Message:
Monkeypox is a serious virus, but it can be prevented. By following the tips in this article, you can help to protect yourself and others from the virus.