HIBAPRESS-RABAT
From animal to man
In areas where monkeypox is widespread (endemic), transmission to humans occurs mainly through contact with infected animals or their excrement and through consumption of meat from infected animals that has not been sufficiently heated.
From man to man
Human-to-human transmission is rare and usually only occurs through close contact (including sexual intercourse, for example). Smallpox causes characteristically shaped pustules containing very large amounts of virus.
The risk of infection is particularly high in the event of contact (e.g. of non-intact skin or mucous membranes) with the contents of pustules or crusts present on the skin. If the mouth has abscesses or lesions, the virus can also be transmitted via the saliva of the affected persons, even without direct contact. It has not yet been confirmed whether monkeypox can be spread via semen or vaginal secretions, but this seems possible.
As soon as a person shows the first non-characteristic symptoms, he or she can also be contaminated by droplets in the air breathed or by droplets of saliva in the event of very close contact.
Via clothing or objects
In addition, the virus can be transmitted through clothing, sheets, towels or other objects, such as dishes, and smartphones that have been in contact with an infected person.
Contamination occurs when the virus reaches the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, nose, genitals or anus. The respiratory tract can also be a route of access. In addition, the virus can enter the body through skin lesions, even the most minor ones.
In pregnant women, the virus can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta. Infected parents can infect their child through skin-to-skin contact at or after delivery.
