How long can a person with monkeypox be contagious?

As of May 25, there have been about 300 cases of infection and suspicion monkey pox after detecting the first case outside of Africa. In the United Kingdom alone, the number of cases recorded reached 79 people.

It is important to be aware of the virus to limit its spread, although symptoms are usually mild and the smallpox vaccine is 85% effective against monkeypox.

Scientists say the virus can spread for up to four weeks.

How is monkeypox spread?

Reports suggest that humans with monkeypox can be contagious for up to 4 weeks due to the accompanying skin lesions. The study noted that some patients could be contagious for up to 10 weeks.

The chickenpox-like blisters are thought to be contagious until completely healed.

Experts are warning of the risks from sex and human-to-human contact or with items used by monkeypox patients. It is mainly items such as blankets, sheets, pillows, clothes…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that people are not contagious during the incubation period of the virus. This phase can last from 5 to 21 days, but averages 7 to 14 days.

Health expert at the University of Southampton, Dr Michael Head, said: “Based on previous outbreaks of monkeypox and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), UK health agency , the infectious period (when the virus can be transmitted to others) is the period of rash and blisters, lasting for 2 weeks and longer.

People at high risk of coming into contact with cases are advised to isolate for up to 21 days.

Is monkey pox a concern?

Scientists still don’t fully know why the monkeypox virus is now spreading more than usual. This virus is commonly found in areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“If transmission is really going on for a long time, early identification of cases will be crucial to breaking the chain of transmission and stopping outbreaks,” said Dr Head.

The European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) warns people with multiple sex partners – regardless of sexual orientation – at higher risk.

However, the ECDC asserts: “Clinical manifestations are usually mild and no deaths have been reported.”

Monkeypox – a less serious disease than smallpox – is endemic in 11 countries in West and Central Africa.

The virus is spread through a bite or direct contact with the blood, flesh, or bodily fluids of an infected animal. Initial symptoms include a high fever before a chickenpox-like rash appears on the hands and face.

There is currently no cure, but symptoms usually resolve in 2 to 4 weeks.

An Yen (Follow Mirror, CNN)

The puzzling origins of monkeypoxOriginally common only in Africa, monkeypox has spread to 15 countries around the world with more than 100 cases.