Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus can be transmitted from animals to humans and from person to person. Anyone can get monkeypox, but some people are at higher risk than others.
People who are at higher risk of getting monkeypox include:
- People who have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox
- People who have traveled to countries where monkeypox is common
- People who have had contact with animals that may carry the monkeypox virus, such as monkeys, rodents, and squirrels
- People who have weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or who are taking medications that suppress the immune system
- Pregnant women and children
Monkeypox can be a serious illness, but it is usually not fatal. Most people who get monkeypox recover within a few weeks. However, some people may develop serious complications, such as encephalitis (swelling of the brain), meningitis (swelling of the spinal cord), or pneumonia (infection of the lungs).
If you think you may have been exposed to monkeypox, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the risk of serious complications.
Who Can Get Monkeypox
Anyone can get monkeypox, but some people are at higher risk.
- Close contact with infected person
- Travel to affected countries
- Contact with infected animals
- Weakened immune system
- Pregnant women and children
- Men who have sex with men
- People with multiple sexual partners
- People who attend large gatherings
- People who work in healthcare settings
If you think you may have been exposed to monkeypox, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Close contact with infected person
Monkeypox is spread through close contact with an infected person or animal. Close contact means having physical contact with someone who has monkeypox, such as touching their skin or sharing bodily fluids. It can also mean coming into contact with objects that have been contaminated with the virus, such as clothing, bedding, or towels.
People who are at highest risk of getting monkeypox from close contact with an infected person include:
- Household members and sexual partners of people with monkeypox
- Healthcare workers who are not wearing proper protective gear
- People who have prolonged face-to-face contact with someone with monkeypox, such as during a flight or in a healthcare setting
It is important to note that monkeypox is not as easily spread as some other viruses, such as the flu or COVID-19. It is not spread through casual contact, such as shaking hands or briefly touching someone.
If you have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox, you should monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days. Symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash.
If you develop any symptoms of monkeypox, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the risk of serious complications.
Travel to affected countries
Monkeypox is endemic in some countries in Africa, meaning that it is always present in those countries. People who travel to these countries are at risk of getting monkeypox if they come into contact with an infected person or animal.
The countries where monkeypox is endemic include:
- Benin
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Congo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Ivory Coast
- Liberia
- Nigeria
- Republic of the Congo
- Sierra Leone
- South Sudan
In addition to these countries, monkeypox has also been reported in several other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. However, these cases are typically travel-related, meaning that they were acquired in a country where monkeypox is endemic.
If you are planning to travel to a country where monkeypox is endemic, it is important to take precautions to reduce your risk of getting the virus. These precautions include:
- Avoiding contact with animals that may carry the virus, such as monkeys, rodents, and squirrels
- Avoiding contact with people who are sick
- Practicing good hand hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Getting vaccinated against monkeypox, if available
If you develop any symptoms of monkeypox after traveling to an affected country, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Contact with infected animals
Monkeypox can be transmitted from animals to humans through direct contact with an infected animal or its bodily fluids. Animals that can carry the monkeypox virus include:
- Monkeys
- Rodents, such as squirrels, rats, and mice
- Shrews
- Prairie dogs
- Gambian pouched rats
In Africa, people are most likely to get monkeypox from contact with infected rodents. In the United States, the virus has been spread by pet prairie dogs that were infected by Gambian pouched rats. It is important to note that monkeypox is not typically spread by dogs, cats, or other common household pets.
People who work with animals that may carry the monkeypox virus, such as zookeepers, veterinarians, and animal researchers, are at increased risk of getting the virus. People who handle or eat wild game are also at risk.
To reduce your risk of getting monkeypox from contact with animals, you should:
- Avoid contact with wild animals, especially rodents and primates
- Do not eat or handle wild game
- If you work with animals that may carry the monkeypox virus, wear protective clothing and gloves
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water after handling animals or animal products
If you develop any symptoms of monkeypox after coming into contact with an infected animal, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Weakened immune system
People with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of getting monkeypox and developing serious complications from the virus. This is because their immune systems are less able to fight off the infection.
People with weakened immune systems include:
- People with HIV/AIDS
- People with cancer
- People who are taking medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids, chemotherapy, or anti-rejection drugs
- People who have had an organ transplant
- People with severe malnutrition
If you have a weakened immune system, you should take precautions to reduce your risk of getting monkeypox. These precautions include:
- Avoiding contact with people who are sick
- Practicing good hand hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Getting vaccinated against monkeypox, if available
If you develop any symptoms of monkeypox, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the risk of serious complications.
People with weakened immune systems who get monkeypox are more likely to be hospitalized and to develop serious complications, such as encephalitis (swelling of the brain), meningitis (swelling of the spinal cord), and pneumonia (infection of the lungs). They are also more likely to die from monkeypox.
Pregnant women and children
Pregnant women and children are at increased risk of getting severe monkeypox infections. This is because their immune systems are not as strong as those of healthy adults.
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Pregnant women
Monkeypox can cross the placenta and infect the fetus. This can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects. Pregnant women who get monkeypox are also more likely to develop serious complications, such as encephalitis (swelling of the brain), meningitis (swelling of the spinal cord), and pneumonia (infection of the lungs).
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Children
Children are more likely to get severe monkeypox infections than adults. They are also more likely to develop complications, such as encephalitis, meningitis, and pneumonia. Children who have weakened immune systems are at even higher risk of getting severe monkeypox infections.
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Newborns
Newborns who are exposed to monkeypox in the womb or during birth are at high risk of developing severe infections. They may also be at risk of developing congenital monkeypox, which is a rare condition that can cause severe birth defects.
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People who are breastfeeding
Monkeypox can be spread through close contact with an infected person, including through breastfeeding. However, the risk of transmission through breastfeeding is low. If you are breastfeeding and you develop monkeypox, you should talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant, a child, or a person who is breastfeeding and you have been exposed to monkeypox, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the risk of serious complications.