The most important facts in brief
- The main transmission route for Mpox viruses ("monkeypox viruses") is Close and prolonged skin-to-skin contacte.g. when cuddling or having sex.
- Contact with Skin changes avoid.
- Condoms do not protect from infection, but they can increase the risk of Particularly painful courses in the anal and genital area reduce.
How are MPOX viruses ("monkeypox viruses") transmitted?
Monkeypox viruses" (Mpox viruses/Mpox) are normally found in regions where they are particularly common, from infected animals transmitted to humans through bites, body fluids or consumption.
From person to person they are mainly characterised by narrow and longer Skin-to-skin contact transferred, especially through contact with the skin lesions (rash, blisters, pustules, wounds, scabs).
Particularly infectious is the Liquid in the vesicles and from the Woundsthat occur after the vesicles burst, as well as the Scabthat forms above it.
The virus is therefore also characterised by Transferable objects that are used during sex (e.g. sex toys), or through Contact with contaminated textiles (for example clothing, bed linen, towels).
Main entrance gates for the virus in the current outbreak are the mucous membranes involved during sex (anal region, penis, oral cavity).
Transmission of Mpox ("monkeypox") during sex
MPOX are not a sexually transmitted disease in the strict sense. However, due to the narrow Skin-to-skin contact transmission of "monkeypox viruses" during sex is possible, for example during Cuddling or kissing and also about the Shared use of sex toys.
As the skin changes can occur anywhere on the body, condoms do not protect against an infection with "monkeypox", but they can increase the risk of particularly Painful courses in the anal and genital area reduce.
If I have Mpox, when am I no longer contagious?
Only when all Wounds healedthe Scab fallen off is and a new skin layer has formed, transfers are no longer possible. This can take several weeks.
How can I protect myself against Mpox ("monkeypox")?
The Most important measuresin order to Reduce the risk of transmissionare:
- After close skin-to-skin contact with patients you can get vaccinatedto prevent a disease or a severe course. Preventive vaccination is also possible. Further information: aidshilfe.de/affenpocken-impfung.
- With yourself and others Pay attention to skin changes and Skin and mucous membrane contact (rashes, blisters, wounds, scabs) as far as possible. Avoid.
- During sex no objects (for example dildos and other sex toys) Share.
With sexual transmission the pathogens at the entry points (especially Mouth, Penis/genital region, Anal region) often too much painful symptoms. Condoms reduce the risk.
The risk of "monkeypox" is further reduced if you Avoid contact with objects and textileswho have been in contact with skin lesions of patients for a longer period of time. Mpox viruses ("monkeypox viruses") can remain infectious outside the body for a long time.
Released by IWWIT editorial team
Last updated 9.12.2022
Further links/sources:
EMA
RKI
You can find more information on the website of the German AIDS service organisation.
