Can You Get Monkeypox from Clothes?
Monkeypox is a viral infection that is closely related to smallpox, but rarely found in humans. It is mainly found in some animals in Africa and can be spread to humans through direct contact with infected animals or its body parts, or through contact with contaminated objects.
In recent years, there has been some concern as to whether clothes can transmit the virus. To answer this question, let’s look at how monkeypox is transmitted.
How is Monkeypox Transmitted?
Monkeypox is mostly spread from the bites of affected animals. It can also spread from direct contact with the infected animal’s body parts, such as its saliva, urine, and blood, as well as contact with its fur or dander.
It is then possible for does virus to be spread to humans via contaminated objects, such as clothing, bedding, and furniture used by an infected person.
Can You Get Monkeypox from Clothes?
While it is technically possible for the virus to be transmitted through contaminated clothes, this is rarely the case. For example, clothes of an infected person are rarely still contaminated by the virus once they are washed.
In addition, infectious particles on clothes can become inactive in a few hours when exposed to air and light, making clothes even less likely to be a source of transmission.
How to Prevent Transmission
To prevent transmission of monkeypox, it is important to:
- Avoid contact with infected animals and any of their fur, saliva, urine, or blood.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after touching anything that could be contaminated with virus particles.
- Wash clothes and any other linen that have been in contact with an infected person or animal.
- Avoid contact with the body fluids of an infected person.
- Disinfect surfaces, such as bedding and furniture, that may have come into contact with an infected person or animal.
In conclusion, monkeypox can be spread through contact with an infected person or animal, as well as contaminated objects. However, it is unlikely to be spread through clothes, as the virus is highly unlikely to remain active on them once they are washed or exposed to air and light. To prevent transmission, it is important to wash your hands and any clothes that may have been in contact with an infected person or animal.