Monkeypox: How does monkeypox spread?
Monkeypox can be spread from person to person through close, personal contact (often skin-to-skin contact), including:
- Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
- Touching objects, particularly porous surfaces and fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), or surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
- Contact with respiratory secretions.
- A pregnant person can spread the virus to a fetus through the placenta.
This direct contact can happen during intimate contact, including prolonged face-to-face contact, hugging, massage, kissing, or sexual contact. Monkeypox does not spread through casual contact, passing by, or having a conversation with someone who has monkeypox.
Individuals are infectious from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed, typically 2-4 weeks. More information can be found here.