Can You Get Monkeypox From Trying on Clothes?
Monkeypox is a rare infection caused by a virus family closely related to the smallpox virus. It mainly occurs among people living in Central and West African countries. In the past decade, it has spread to several other countries, including the U.S.
Transmission of monkeypox typically occurs through direct contact with or inhalation of contaminated animal tissues, such as from wild rodents and primates. Cases of monkeypox have been reported in the United States, where it is thought to have been spread by infected domestic mammals, including pet prairie dogs.
With all this in mind, you may be wondering, can you get monkeypox from trying on clothes?
The short answer is no, it is not possible to contract monkeypox through contact with clothing or other objects used or worn by an infected person. But it is still important to practice good hygiene when trying on clothes or using items that have been handled by someone else.
How To Protect Yourself From Possible Exposure
Here are a few precautions you can take when trying on clothes to protect yourself from possible exposure to monkeypox or other infectious diseases:
- Wash your hands before and after trying on clothes.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth while trying on clothes.
- Make sure you only try on clothes that are clean.
- Keep the item free of contact with your skin if possible.
- Disinfect any surface where the item you are trying on was placed.
It’s also important to note that while monkeypox is rare in the U.S., there are other diseases you can get from trying on clothing. To protect yourself, always wash your hands after trying on clothes and practice good hygiene. This will help lower your risk of exposure to any kind of disease or infection.