Mpox: How it spreads, prevention and risks
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How mpox spreads
Current evidence suggests that mpox (previously known as monkeypox) spreads in 3 ways:
- person to person
- animal to human
- direct contact with a contaminated object
Health authorities across Canada and internationally are monitoring this situation as it evolves. We're still collecting information about how mpox spreads, including looking into:
- modes of transmission
- transmission without symptoms
- atypical symptoms
Person to person
You can be exposed to mpox in different situations, such as during:
- sexual contact
- including oral or sex without penetration
- close contact, including:
- providing care
- living in the same household
Mpox can spread from person to person through direct contact with the lesions or scabs of someone with mpox. These lesions or scabs may be found on the skin or mucosal surfaces, such as:
- genitals
- anus and rectum
- mouth and throat
- eyes
It can also spread through contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, such as:
- semen
- saliva
- blood
The virus may spread through respiratory particles, such as from:
- coughing or sneezing
- talking or breathing
Although it's possible for mpox to spread through air, this plays only a small role in the spread of this virus.
Some people with mpox may be contagious up to 4 days before their symptoms begin. This is known as pre-symptomatic transmission. At this time, we don't yet know:
- how common pre-symptomatic transmission is
- if pre-symptomatic transmission is more common with any specific transmission route (for example, sexual contact or contaminated items)
If you're pregnant, there's a chance you could pass on the virus to your fetus through the placenta. We don't yet know if the virus can spread through breast milk.
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Contaminated objects
You can get mpox through direct contact with personal items used by a person with mpox, such as:
- towels
- clothing
- bedding
- razors
- utensils
- needles
- sex toys
- toothbrushes
- children's toys
Learn more:
- Mpox: Recommendations on hand and environmental hygiene
- Mpox: Steps for removing contaminated clothing (infographic)
Animal to human
Animals don't currently play a role in the spread of mpox in Canada. Animals, particularly wild rodents, have infected people in West and Central Africa.
Many different species are susceptible to the mpox virus, especially rodents such as squirrels and rats.
There was an mpox outbreak in the US in 2003 after infected small mammals from Africa were imported for the pet trade. These mammals infected pet prairie dogs that were housed with them, which led to an outbreak of 47 human cases. The virus may have spread from the infected animals to the people through activities such as:
- preparing or eating undercooked game meat
- hunting and processing animals for food
- exposure to body fluids, such as when cleaning up animal enclosures or areas where animals were processed
- touching or handling live or dead infected animals, especially if there were bites or scratches while handling
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Risk of getting mpox
Anyone can get and spread mpox if they're in close contact with someone who has it, regardless of:
- age
- sex
- race
- gender
- sexual orientation
Since May 2022, there have been cases in several countries where the disease is not normally found, including Canada.
Most cases in Canada so far have been among people who self-identify as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM), especially those with multiple sexual partners. Having multiple sexual partners may increase your overall risk of infection.
This aligns with trends in other countries where mpox first occurred during the current global outbreak that began in 2022. However, it's important to stress that the risk of mpox is not limited to any group or setting.
Health authorities continue to monitor for and investigate cases of mpox in Canada as the situation evolves. We update this information as it becomes available.
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Preventing the spread of mpox
To lower your risk of getting mpox:
- avoid close physical contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has mpox
- avoid close physical contact, including sexual contact, with someone who may have had a high-risk exposure to mpox
- for example, a sexual partner or household member of someone with mpox.
- avoid contact with all personal items and objects used by someone with mpox (for example, clothes, children's toys, bedding, sex toys)
You can also lower your risk by:
- getting vaccinated against mpox, if you're eligible
- learning about safer sex
- making informed decisions and talking to your partner or partners about sexual health
- using barrier protection during sexual activity, including:
- condoms
- dental dams
- gloves
- clothing
- cleaning your hands regularly
- cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects in your home, especially after having visitors
Learn how to reduce the risk of spread if you have mpox, are taking care of someone with mpox, or have been exposed.
Learn more:
- Vaccines for mpox
- Safer sex guide
- Symptoms of mpox
- Getting tested for mpox
- Surface disinfectants for emerging viral pathogens
Community settings
If you operate a non-health care community setting that the public can access, you should:
- assess the risks associated with mpox spreading
- put appropriate measures in place to reduce the risk of mpox spreading in your setting
Learn more: