Mpox : Transmission of the disease
The Mpox virus is considered to be moderately transmissible. The disease can be transmitted from person to person and from animal to person through close contact with an infected person or an infected animal.
Transmission routes:
- Skin and mucous membranes (e.g. eyes, nose, mouth, genitals)
- Blisters and skin lesions (infected secretions or blood)
- Respiratory secretions or large respiratory droplets
- Indirectly via recently contaminated objects (e.g. bed linen, towels, clothes, hygiene articles, door handles)
- Physical contact with an infected animal (e.g. monkeys and rodents)
- Consumption of contaminated and undercooked meat from an infected animal (e.g. bush meat)
It is currently unclear whether Mpox can also be spread through semen or vaginal secretions. What is certain is that the virus can also be transmitted through direct skin and mucous membrane contact during sexual activity.
The disease can be transmitted from all people to others through close contact. Sexual contact with a sick person increases the likelihood of transmission. Frequently changing sexual partners increases the risk of infection.
At present, men who have sex with men (MSM) in particular(but not exclusively) have an increased risk of infection.
Disease is more likely if one or more of the following conditions are met:
- an epidemiological link to a suspected or confirmed case of monkeypox in the 21 days prior to the onset of symptoms
- close and prolonged physical contact in the 21 days prior to the onset of symptoms, especially with changing and/or anonymous sexual partners
- direct, close physical contact in the last 21 days before the onset of symptoms with a man who has sex with men
- Participation in events with direct, close physical contact (especially skin and mucous membrane contact)