Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that has gained global attention. Individuals infected with mpox can transmit the virus to others. Understanding the duration of the contagious period is important for public health and individual safety. This knowledge helps guide isolation practices and reduce community spread.
How Monkeypox Spreads
Mpox primarily spreads through close, direct contact with an infected person. This includes contact with their rash, scabs, or body fluids, such as during skin-to-skin touch, sexual activity, kissing, or cuddling.
Transmission can also occur via respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face interactions. Additionally, contact with contaminated materials like bedding, clothing, or towels can lead to spread. The virus can also transfer from infected animals to humans through bites, scratches, or handling of infected animal products.
The Contagious Period and Disease Progression
A person with mpox is contagious from the moment symptoms begin until all skin lesions have healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed underneath.
The disease progression begins with an incubation period, the time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of the first symptoms. This period ranges from 3 to 17 days, during which the infected person is not contagious. Following incubation, a prodromal phase may occur, marked by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Contagiousness can start with the onset of these initial symptoms.
The rash phase develops one to four days after the prodromal symptoms. The rash evolves through several stages: flat spots, raised bumps, fluid-filled blisters, pus-filled lesions, and finally scabs. The individual remains contagious throughout this rash progression, as the lesions contain high amounts of the virus.
Confirming the End of Contagion
The contagious period for mpox ends when all lesions have fully crusted over, the scabs have completely separated from the skin, and a new, healthy layer of skin has emerged beneath them. This healing process must be complete for all lesions, including those inside the mouth, throat, or genital areas.
Full healing can take several weeks, ranging from two to four weeks or even longer. Healthcare providers recommend isolation until these specific criteria are met. Consulting a healthcare provider for confirmation is advisable to ensure it is safe to resume normal activities.