Disease:
The symptoms of monkeypox infection are similar to those of smallpox (but generally milder), making it difficult to
distinguish between the two initially. Only a trained physician should attempt to diagnose monkeypox infections as this
initial presentation of signs and symptoms can be very similar to other infections and a physician can arrange for testing to conclusively diagnose monkeypox infection.
Transmission:
The monkeypox virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes. The virus is not believed to be easily passed from person to person since a large dose of virus is believed to be needed to cause transmission to another person.
Human to human transmission can occur through (intimate) contact transmission with infected body fluids or droplet
transmission of infected large respiratory droplets/respiratory secretions (from prolonged face to face contact). If
infected respiratory droplets are inhaled, ingested, or otherwise enter the body, this can result in infection. Indirect
contact with contaminated shared items and contaminated bedding can also transmit the virus. Mother to fetal
transmission can occur via the placenta in the uterus or during birth.
Animal to human transmission can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, while consumption of
infected animal meat can also result in infection. Infection can also result from exposure to contaminated animal blood
or body fluids, such as through slaughter and preparation of an infected animal for consumption or the contamination of surfaces with infected blood or body fluids, such as surfaces in the home or bedding that has become contaminated with
infected urine or feces from an infected animal.
The incubation period is typically 6-13 days, but can range from 5-21 days, so a significant amount of time can pass between
exposure and the first signs or symptoms. In general, pox viruses are not likely to be transmitted between people until signs or
symptoms occur, so asymptomatic transmission is not believed to be likely.