A new case of monkeypox virus has been detected in Uttar Pradesh’s Auraiya district, news agency IANS reported. Reports said that the suspected woman was suffering from fever and other monkeypox-like symptoms. Since the onset of monkeypox, there have been concerns about sexual behavior and the virus is said to be spread through any type of close contact, including kissing, touching, oral and penetrative vaginal or anal sex.Also Read – Monkeypox may not be limited to gay, bisexual men, may spread to others: WHO
According to the WHO, rashes, body fluids (such as fluid, pus, or blood from skin lesions), and scabs are particularly contagious. Ulcers, sores or sores can also be contagious because the virus is spread through saliva. Contact with objects that an infected person has been in contact with – such as clothing, bedding, towels – or items such as eating utensils can also cause infection. Also Read – Monkeypox in India: Delhi, Karnataka airports on alert; Health authorities on toes in UP after suspected case | Live
Considering the spread through physical contact, there was concern about whether a physically transmitted disease could affect their sex lives. Also Read – Monkey pox in children: Are children more susceptible to this new smallpox-like disease?
People who have the disease are contagious when they have symptoms (usually in the first two to four weeks). It is not clear whether people who are asymptomatic can contract the disease.
Dr. Dhiren Gupta, intensivist and senior consultant at Sir Gangaram Hospital said, “Spread of monkeypox increases during sexual contact. This exposure can occur during intimate contact. Oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse or touching the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) of a person with monkeypox.
Hugging, massaging and kissing as well as prolonged face-to-face contact can also contract the virus, says Dr. Gupta said.
The disease can also be spread if a person touches cloths and objects during sex that have been used by a person with monkeypox and that have not been disinfected, such as bedding, towels, and sex toys.
Having multiple or anonymous sexual partners can increase the chance of exposure to monkeypox. Limiting the number of sex partners you have can reduce the chance of exposure, experts say.
Science is trying to better understand whether the virus can be present in semen, vaginal fluid or other body fluids.
Dr Manoj Sharma, Director, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine. Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj said, “Monkeypox is spread through close intimate contact during intercourse. It can be spread through oral, vaginal and anal intercourse involving touching the genitals of an infected person.
Will using condoms help?
“It is spread by kissing or coming in contact with bedding, clothing or objects used by an infected person so preventive methods like using condoms may not be effective” added Dr Sharma.
Dr. Deepali Bharadwaj, Senior Dermatologist said, “Monkeypox can be spread through sex, strict isolation from all forms of touch is the key. It’s time to be careful again and of course be more hygienic. It is the duty of our citizens to ensure that the system collapses and a similar situation does not arise. A strict mask, hand hygiene, social distancing should be maintained and a doctor should be contacted as early as possible in early symptoms and usually in addition to boosting immunity.
How can the stigma associated with homosexual behavior be avoided during outbreaks?
Stigmatizing messages surrounding certain groups of people have circulated around the epidemic: the WHO has made it clear that this is unacceptable. Anyone who has any kind of close physical contact with a person with monkeypox is at risk, regardless of who they are, what they do, who they choose to have sex with, or any other factor. WHO points out that stigmatizing people because of disease is unacceptable. Anyone who has been infected, or who is helping to care for people who are unwell, should be supported: stigma only makes things worse and slows down outbreak efforts.
As reported by WHO, the rash can also resemble some sexually transmitted diseases like herpes and syphilis. This may explain why many of the current outbreaks have been identified among men seeking care at sexual health clinics. The risk of infection is not limited to sexually active people or men who have sex with men. Anyone who has close physical contact with an infectious person is at risk.
(With inputs by ANI)
