Monkeypox Transmission: How does a person get monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus.

Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name ‘monkeypox.’

The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during a period of intensified effort to eliminate smallpox.

How does a person get monkeypox?

Monkeypox is transmitted when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus.

The major ways the virus enters the body are through;

1. Broken skin (even if not visible),
2. Respiratory tract, or
3. The mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).

Animal-to-human transmission may occur by;

1. Bite or scratch,
2. Bush meat preparation,
3. Direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and
4. Indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated bedding.

Human-to-human transmission is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets.

Respiratory droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required.

Other human-to-human methods of transmission include;

1. direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and
2. indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens.