9. Mpox Virus Transmission
The Mpox virus spreads to and between humans when a person comes into proximity to an infected animal, individual, or objects that are contaminated. In addition to moving in large airborne droplets that invade the body via the mouth, eyes, or nose, the virus can also enter via damaged skin (even undetectable wounds). For efficient human-to-human transmission, continuous contact is essential since these droplets are dense and seldom move more than a few feet. As an outcome, healthcare personnel and those who live in the same household as an infected person are more vulnerable 11,44.
Among the 2022 outbreak, Mpox cases have indeed been concentrated in males who have had sex with men (MSM). Although infectious MPXV has been found in sperm, MPXV DNA has recently been detected in urine, faeces, rectal swab, nasopharyngeal swab, and saliva. However, it is unknown whether the virus may infect sperm cells and reproduce in the genital canal. It is still unknown and under inquiry whether Mpox may be spread especially via sexual transmission methods. In any case, many are speculating if the virus has mutated to make easier human-to-human transmission possible, similar to SARS-CoV-2, in light of this pattern of transmission and the emergence of Mpox in non-endemic locations. Mpox is less likely to inherit changes that speed up its spread since it is a DNA virus, which can detect and correct mutations effectively than RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 45.