A study says that 95% of monkeypox cases are spread through sexual activity

Cases of monkeypox, which have crossed the 14,000 mark worldwide, have caused an uproar with their rapid spread. Five deaths were also reported, prompting a warning from the World Health Organization (WHO). The study found that transmission is suspected to have occurred through sexual activity in at least 95 percent of people with the infection.

The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, considered data based on 528 infections diagnosed between April 27 and June 24, 2022, at 43 sites in 16 states. As many as 98 percent of people with monkeypox infection were gay or bisexual men, 75 percent were white, and 41 percent had human immunodeficiency virus infection, a series of global case studies found.

Are monkeypox sexually transmitted?

Monkeypox is described as a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It’s not a sexually transmitted disease, but it can be spread through close contact or skin-to-skin contact with the mite rash, scabs, body fluids or respiratory droplets of an infected person, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health Shots contacted Dr. Sheela Murali Chakravarthy, Director of Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, to understand the link between sexual activity and monkeypox.

“Monkey goats are transmitted by close contact. Therefore, it is seen in patients who hug or kiss, or it is transmitted sexually. Young adults in sexually active age groups and homosexuals are exposed to a greater risk due to close proximity. That’s why it’s important to isolate yourself after infection.”

According to the CDC, contact can occur during oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Even touching the genitals of a person with monkeypox can cause infection.

Having multiple or anonymous sexual partners can therefore increase the chances of exposure to monkeypox.

“The need to spread awareness in the high-risk population is urgent. Vaccination is available in the US only for groups at high risk of male-to-male transmission. And we don’t have monkeypox vaccination in India yet,” the expert added.

Three so far cases of monkeypox in India were registered.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued a special monkeypox advisory for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, given that cases have been identified in these communities.

Still, he claims, “It’s never okay to stigmatize people because of illness. Anyone can get or transmit monkeypox, regardless of their sexuality.

How to avoid getting infected with monkeypox during sexual contact

It would be best to keep your distance and avoid any contact with the infected. If your partner has tested positive, the CDC suggests waiting until the rash has healed properly before having sex.

Only when you notice a fresh layer of skin after the fallen scabs, you should establish personal contact with your partner.

Know the symptoms of monkeypox

* Symptoms of monkeypox can last from 2 to 4 weeks, unless it is a severe case.

* In the initial period, the infected person may experience fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle pain and fatigue.

* The skin rash or pimples characteristic of monkeypox may appear 1 to 3 days after the onset of fever. Here’s how recognize monkeypox rash.

* Rashes most often appear on the face, then on the palms and soles. Other areas that may be affected are the oral mucosa and genitalia.