Monkeypox risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Bassel Almarie M.D.[2]

Risk factors for contracting monkeypox virus include close physical contact with infected person or animal (including direct contact with lesions, bodily fluids, and respiratory secretions), direct contact with contaminated materials such as towels^[1][2], eating undercooked meat^[3], and complex exposures to an infected animal (e.g., invasive bite or scratch that breaks the skin)^[4].

• Close physical contact with an infected person or animal^[1][2].

• Direct contact with lesions, bodily fluids, or respiratory secretions of an infected person or animal^[5][3][6].

• Direct contact with contaminated materials such as animal cages, blankets, or towels^[5][4].

• Consumption of undercooked meat of infected animals^[1].

• Daily exposure or complex exposure to an infected animal. “Complex” exposures (e.g., invasive bite or scratch that breaks the skin) were associated with shorter incubation periods, pronounced signs of systemic illness, and hospitalizations^[3][4].