Monkeypox, now often referred to as mpox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a species within the Orthopoxvirus genus. This illness gained significant public attention during the 2022 global outbreak, prompting questions about its classification, particularly whether it is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or infection (STI). Understanding its transmission methods and characteristics is important for public health.
How Monkeypox Spreads
Mpox primarily spreads through close, personal contact with someone who has the virus, including direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. Skin-to-skin contact, such as touching or sex, is a recognized mode of transmission.
The virus can also be transmitted through prolonged face-to-face contact via respiratory secretions, though this typically requires close proximity. Indirect contact with contaminated items like clothing, bedding, towels, or sex toys used by an infected person can also lead to spread. Additionally, mpox can spread from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with animal body fluids.
Is Monkeypox Classified as a Sexually Transmitted Infection?
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is generally defined as an infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms primarily passed through sexual contact, including oral, anal, or vaginal sex. While mpox can spread through sexual contact, it is not exclusively classified as an STI in the traditional sense. This distinction arises because mpox can also be transmitted through other forms of close, non-sexual physical contact.
Sexual contact is a significant route for transmission due to the close skin-to-skin contact involved, which facilitates the exchange of bodily fluids and direct contact with lesions. However, the virus’s ability to spread through non-sexual close contact means it does not fit the narrow definition of an infection transmitted only through sexual activity. The presence of culturable virus in saliva, nasopharynx, and semen for prolonged periods, alongside skin lesions, has been observed in recent outbreaks.
How Monkeypox Differs from Common STIs
Mpox differs from diseases typically categorized solely as STIs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. Common STIs are characterized by their primary or almost exclusive transmission through sexual contact, often affecting genital or oral areas. For example, HIV is transmitted through specific body fluids, including semen and vaginal fluids, during sexual activity or through shared needles.
In contrast, mpox lesions can manifest on various parts of the body, including the face, hands, feet, chest, and anogenital area, reflecting its broader transmission pathways. While sexual contact can lead to lesions in the anal and genital regions, mpox transmission is not limited to the exchange of seminal or vaginal fluids alone.
Protecting Yourself and Others
Avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have a rash resembling mpox is a primary recommendation. This includes refraining from kissing, hugging, cuddling, or engaging in sexual activity with someone showing symptoms.
It is also advisable to avoid contact with objects or materials an infected person has used, such as bedding, towels, or personal items. Practicing good hand hygiene, by washing hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, is an important preventive step. Staying informed about public health recommendations and considering vaccination if at higher risk of exposure can reduce the likelihood of infection.