How long do people remain infectious when they are sick with Monkeypox? An expert reveals

More cases of monkeypox have been recorded in the US, with scientists warning that the disease can stay contagious for a long period. Cases have now been documented in California, Florida, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, Utah, Virginia and Washington.

According to specialists seeking to control the disease, monkeypox cases can be contagious for a long period.

The virus is continuing to spread, with 10 cases documented as of May 27, according to the US CDC.

Though symptoms are usually mild and the smallpox vaccine is already known to be 85 percent effective against it, it’s crucial to be aware of the virus in order to restrict its spread.CD

CDC has urged “healthcare providers in the U.S. to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox, regardless of whether they have travel or specific risk factors for monkeypox and regardless of gender or sexual orientation.”

Some people are concerned about the virus’s contagiousness, as scientists have now stated that it can spread for up to four weeks.

According to reports, monkeypox can be spread for up to four weeks following infection in some situations due to the disease’s skin sores. According to one study, some people may be infectious for up to ten weeks.

According to one physician, the chickenpox-like lesions are contagious until they disappear.

People are being warned to avoid sexual contact and “close person-to-person contact or contact with items used by a person with monkeypox.” Bedding and clothing are examples of this.

People are not contagious during the virus’s incubation period, which can last anywhere from five to 21 days but usually falls between seven and 14 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Dr. Michael Head, a health expert at the University of Southampton, told the Mail, “Based on previous monkeypox outbreaks and guidance from [UK health authorities] and WHO, the infectious period (i.e. when the virus can be transmitted to another person) can be comparable to the time period where the rash and blisters are present. This may be for two weeks, and may be longer .

“Specifically here in this outbreak, we’re learning more about the cases and their presentations, and so many basic questions about their epidemiology are still to be clarified.”

It is recommended that high-risk contacts of patients with confirmed illnesses isolation for up to 21 days.

It is still unknown why the virus is spreading considerably more rapidly than usual – it is often seen in portions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo – and whether it will soon become more contagious.

Scientists are putting forth a lot of effort to stay on top of the virus.

“If onward transmission can indeed take place over a longer period of time,” Dr. Head added, “early identification of any possible cases is going to be vital in efforts to break those chains of transmission and contain the outbreak.”

Anyone who feels they may be infected with the virus should seek medical attention immediately, according to the CDC.

Image Credit: Getty

You were reading: How Infectious Is Monkeypox? An Expert Weighs In