Is Monkeypox a Sexually Transmitted Infection?
Monkeypox has been around since 1958. World Health Organization declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in July 22.
By Sunanda Naik Published on 13 Aug 2022 6:00 AM GMT
Monkeypox has been around since 1958. World Health Organization declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in July 22.
A misinformation campaign has been unleashed that the disease is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Such misinformation regarding a virus can possibly infect any age group gives. It gives a false sense of safety to people who are also at risk of getting infected.
FACT CHECK
NewsMeter visited the WHO website to gather information."'it is unclear at this time if monkeypox can be transmitted specifically through sexual transmission routes. Studies are needed to better understand this risk," WHO said.
https://www.who.int/news-room/
Digging deep into the topic, we found a report by WebMD in which it is stated that, "Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease in the classic sense (by which it's spread in the semen or vaginal fluids), but it is spread by close physical contact with lesions,"
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-
NewsMeter found a study by CDC which said: "Monkeypox is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but it is often transmitted through close, sustained physical contact, which can include sexual contact".
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/
Healthline quoted an export saying: "You can get monkeypox from someone without having sex with them. In much the same way that you can get COVID from a sex partner without COVID being an STI, you can get monkeypox without it being an STI".
NewsMeter contacted experts to discuss the issue and found.
Dr. P. Raghuramulu, Senior Consultant Physician &Diabetologist, Renova NIGL Hospitals
It spreads mainly through close physical contact with the infected persons (not with sex) and fomites (Infected Lenin & clothes). It doesn't spread through the air, but someone in close contact with an infected person within a 2-meter distance for more than 3 hours can spread through large droplets. Can be Prevented by Isolation for 3 to 4 weeks till all the scab falls. Small Pox Vaccination too can help.
Dr. Naresh Gundapuneni Consultant General Physician Renova Hospitals, Kompally
Monkeypox is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but it is often transmitted through close, sustained physical contact, which can include sexual contact. If you or your partner has monkeypox or think you may have monkeypox, the best way to protect yourself and others is to avoid sex and kissing or touching each other's bodies when you are sick. Especially avoid touching any rash. Be aware that monkeypox can also spread through respiratory secretions with close, face-to-face contact.
Hence, it is evident that the claim is misleading.
