Key Facts About The 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak and Sexual Health

The monkeypox outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation, and researchers are still building their understanding of the virus. Existing information on the initial cases in the 2022 monkeypox outbreak show clear implications for STD programs, clinics, and professionals:

• Monkeypox can be transmitted through close contact, including during sex or intimate contact. Monkeypox can spread through:
  • Direct contact with monkeypox rash, sores, or scabs.
  • Objects that have been used by someone with monkeypox, including sheets, towels, or clothing.
  • Through close respiratory contact or oral fluids
• Contact during sex or intimate contact can spread monkeypox. Types of contact that can spread monkeypox include:
  • Oral, anal, and vaginal sex
  • Touching, hugging, massage, and mutual masturbation
  • Kissing or very close contact
  • Contact with objects used during sex, like sheets or sex toys
• During the 2022 outbreak of monkeypox, some patients have presented with a rash or sores on the genital or perianal area before or without other symptoms. Patients have also reported internal sores that can be painful.
• Monkeypox sores may appear similar to very common STDs like syphilis. Patients may seek care thinking their symptoms are an STD. Patients with monkeypox may also experience co-occuring infections. Patients should receive a comprehensive STD screening in addition to any CDC-recommended monkeypox screening.
• While monkeypox can spread to anyone through sexual or intimate contact, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, most people impacted have been men who have sex with men.

More detailed facts are available in the CDC’s page Safer Sex & Social Gatherings