Causes And Risk Factors Of Monkeypox

Animal Bites And Scratches

Monkeypox is often contracted and spread by individuals in close contact with an infected animal which can be a squirrel, rat, or monkey. The monkeypox virus must enter through mucous membranes or broken skin, the latter of which are usually the result of animal bites and scratches. The virus itself is spread by bodily fluids of an infected animal which can include saliva. Coming into contact with the lesions on an infected animal may also cause monkeypox.

It still isn't known the full range of animals that can be infected by and spread monkeypox. New World and Old World monkeys and apes, rabbits, and many rodents like mice, rats, squirrels, and prairie dogs are known to be carriers, but some other wild and domesticated animals can be susceptible.

Continue to reveal more risk factors of monkeypox.