Monkeypox disease is caused by infection of the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox can be spread between animals and people and between people, increasing the risk and likelihood of spread. Symptoms can range from case to case, but will typically include headaches, muscle aches and pain, swollen and sensitive lymph nodes, fevers, and fatigue.

How is Monkeypox spread?

The monkeypox virus is spread through close and prolonged contact with an infected person, animal, or object harboring the virus. One can become infected through any open wound, your eyes and mouth, and your respiratory tract. Due to the various paths of infection, it is important to be aware of any exposed parts of your body if you have contact with the virus. Personal protection equipment will help with this, but physically removing the virus from various surfaces and objects with cleaning is an added measure you might consider.

How to prevent the spread with cleaning

Monkeypox can be kept at bay with frequent washing of one’s hands, arms, and any other exposed skin after coming into contact with an infected person or animal. The virus can be spread if there is contact with an object with the virus on it, increasing the potential for infection around a diagnosed person or animals personal living space. These objects can include blankets, bed sheets, clothes, tissues, dishes, and towels. Inflected items should be promptly handled with care.

A thorough and professional cleaning can help you ensure that any common spaces in your home that might be infected are clean. If you are unsure of how to best clean shared spaces, asking a professional for help is the best way forward. It is important to note that isolation of the person or animal is still necessary to prevent spread, but cleaning areas where infected material may be present will reduce potential for spread. When cleaning, it is important to use techniques that will keep infectious material out of the air. This means using wet materials over dry ones, as dusting and sweeping can displace the virus into the air and other surfaces. Dispose of potentially infectious material immediately.

Always wear personal protection equipment around spaces where someone with the virus has been, even if you have had a professional cleaning. Because you can’t see monkeypox, you can never be certain of where it is.

The chances of encountering and becoming infected with monkeypox are still extremely low, but keeping prevention tactics in mind is vital to staying safe.

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