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Can monkeypox spread through sex? What experts say
Over 16,000 cases of monkeypox from around 75 countries have been recorded so far, including three in India.
As the monkeypox outbreak spreads through the world - with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring it a global health emergency - concerns have been raised about sexual behaviour and the transmission of the virus. Experts say the virus spreads through close contact, including sexual acts like kissing, touching, oral, and penetrative vaginal or anal sex with a symptomatic partner. It is not yet clear if an asymptomatic person can spread the virus.
Also read: What we know about Delhi monkeypox case
Dr Dhiren Gupta, a senior consultant at Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, the spread of the virus is amplified during sexual contact. "This contact can happen during intimate contact including oral, anal and vaginal sex, or touching the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) of a person with monkeypox. Hugging, massages and kissing as well as prolonged face-to-face contact could also lead to contraction of the virus," he told news agency ANI.
Also read: Monkeypox common symptoms and precautions to be taken
He also said a person could contract the disease if he touches fabrics or objects during sex that were used by a person with monkeypox and that have not been disinfected, such as bedding, towels, and sex toys. Dr Gupta also told ANI that having multiple or anonymous sex partners may also increase the chances of exposure to monkeypox.
Also read: Monkeypox: ‘No plans yet to get vaccine,’ says health ministry
Barrier methods - a condom, for example - may not be effective in stopping the virus, ANI said citing Dr Manoj Sharma - director and senior consultant at Fortis Hospital.
Another expert Dr Deepali Bharadwaj - a senior dermatologist - told ANI 'monkeypox can spread by sex, the touch of all sorts hence strict isolation is the key'. She stressed on the use of face masks, hand hygiene, and social distancing.
Over 16,000 cases from around 75 countries have been recorded so far. Three cases have been reported in India - two from Kerala and one from Delhi.
According to the WHO, some of the symptoms include fever, muscle ache, intense headaches, swollen lymph nodes, skin rashes or lesions, low energy and back pain.
(With inputs from ANI)
