Monkeypox spreads through close contact with an infected person’s skin lesions (rash or scabs), respiratory droplets or bodily fluids.
The virus primarily spreads through direct physical contact, like kissing, cuddling or sex with someone who is already infected. It can also spread by touching items that have the virus on them, like a blanket or cup used by someone who is sick with monkeypox, or through prolonged face-to-face interactions, which mainly happen when living with or providing close personal care for someone who has monkeypox.