Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The virus is usually found in wild animals such as monkeys, but can also be transmitted from person to person through close contact with an infected individual.
Anyone can get monkeypox, but some people are at higher risk of infection. These include people who have been in close contact with an infected person or animal, people who have traveled to areas where monkeypox is common, and people who have weakened immune systems.
Monkeypox is a serious illness, but it can be prevented. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from monkeypox. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it is available to people who are at high risk of infection.
Who Gets Monkeypox
Anyone can get monkeypox, but some people are at higher risk.
- People with weakened immune systems
- People who have been in contact with infected animals
- People who have traveled to areas where monkeypox is common
- Men who have sex with men
- Pregnant women
- Children under 8 years old
- People with certain skin conditions
Monkeypox is a serious illness, but it can be prevented. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from monkeypox. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it is available to people who are at high risk of infection.
People with weakened immune systems
People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of getting monkeypox and developing severe complications from the infection.
- HIV/AIDS: People with HIV/AIDS have weakened immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to monkeypox infection and severe disease.
- Cancer: People undergoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, have weakened immune systems. This can increase their risk of monkeypox infection and severe disease.
- Organ transplant recipients: Organ transplant recipients take medications to suppress their immune systems to prevent organ rejection. This can increase their risk of monkeypox infection and severe disease.
- Other conditions: People with other conditions that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, may also be at higher risk of monkeypox infection and severe disease.
It is important for people with weakened immune systems to take precautions to avoid monkeypox infection. This includes avoiding contact with infected people or animals, getting vaccinated against monkeypox, and practicing good hand hygiene.
People who have been in contact with infected animals
People who have been in contact with infected animals are at higher risk of getting monkeypox. This includes people who have been bitten or scratched by an infected animal, or who have come into contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected animal.
- Wild animals: Monkeypox is most commonly found in wild animals, such as monkeys, rodents, and squirrels. People who work with or handle these animals, such as zookeepers, veterinarians, and hunters, are at higher risk of infection.
- Domestic animals: Monkeypox can also be transmitted from infected animals to domestic animals, such as dogs, cats, and rabbits. People who have close contact with these animals, such as pet owners and veterinarians, are at higher risk of infection.
- Travel to endemic areas: People who travel to areas where monkeypox is common are at higher risk of coming into contact with infected animals. This includes parts of Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Imported animals: Monkeypox can also be transmitted through contact with imported animals, such as exotic pets or animals used in research. People who work with or handle these animals are at higher risk of infection.
It is important for people who have been in contact with infected animals to take precautions to avoid monkeypox infection. This includes avoiding contact with the animal's blood or bodily fluids, wearing protective clothing and gloves, and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water.
People who have traveled to areas where monkeypox is common
People who have traveled to areas where monkeypox is common are at higher risk of getting infected. Monkeypox is endemic in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia, and outbreaks can occur in other parts of the world.
- Visiting endemic areas: People who travel to areas where monkeypox is common for tourism, work, or other reasons are at risk of infection. This includes countries in Central and West Africa, as well as parts of Southeast Asia.
- Exposure to infected animals: Travelers to endemic areas may come into contact with infected animals, such as monkeys, rodents, and squirrels. This can occur through bites, scratches, or contact with the animal's blood or bodily fluids.
- Contact with infected people: Travelers to endemic areas may also come into contact with infected people. This can occur through close contact with an infected person, such as sharing a bed or clothing, or through contact with the person's bodily fluids.
- Healthcare workers: Healthcare workers who travel to endemic areas to provide care to patients with monkeypox are at high risk of infection. This is because they may come into close contact with infected patients and their bodily fluids.
It is important for people who have traveled to areas where monkeypox is common to take precautions to avoid infection. This includes avoiding contact with infected animals and people, practicing good hand hygiene, and getting vaccinated against monkeypox before travel.