Monkeypox Virus Can Spread Through Sexual Intercourse: Warns Experts

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• May 19, 2022 | Dhupali Das

In the last two weeks, four out of seven cases detected in England have been found in gay or bisexual men

Digital Desk: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning against the monkeypox virus, which is on the rise in the United Kingdom. Experts said that monkeypox is a sexually transmissible virus, but further research is needed to determine how widespread it is and what risk factors may exist.

WHO also warned that the infection is spreading through sexual intercourse. Previously, it was assumed that the monkeypox virus could only be transmitted by close contact, such as through lesions or exhaled respiratory droplets from an infected individual.

According to WHO's Maria Van Kerkhove, there have been seven confirmed cases of monkeypox since the beginning of May, six in London and one in the North East. In the United Kingdom, there is one further suspected case. In the last two weeks, four out of seven cases detected in England have been found in gay or bisexual men. This suggests that sex is a transmitting factor.

"We're working together with our regional office and other agencies to assess each of these instances, determine the source of illness, and conduct forward contract tracing to ensure no additional human-to-human transmission," she added.

Symptoms of Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare and mostly mild infection spread by infected wild animals in Africa.

According to the NHS website, the condition is related to smallpox and causes a rash that frequently starts on the face.

Fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and tiredness are some of the symptoms.

It causes a characteristic rash that usually begins on the face and spreads throughout the body, including the genital area.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus's rashes can be itchy and unpleasant.

There is currently no cure for monkeypox, and the fatality rate is around 10%.

Most people experience symptoms two weeks after infection and recover in two to four weeks.

How is it transmitted?

Monkeypox can be contracted by biting or touching an infected animal's blood, bodily fluids, or fur.

Rodents such as rats, mice, and squirrels are thought to spread monkeypox.

It is also possible to contract the sickness by consuming raw or undercooked meat from an infected animal.

Monkeypox is thought to be a sexually transmissible virus, according to experts.