is monkeypox contagious
Last updated September 6, 2026.
**Yes. Mpox, the illness formerly called monkeypox, is contagious, and it spreads mainly through close, prolonged contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids of someone who has it.** Most transmission happens through direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact, kissing, and hugging, rather than through brief time in the same room. Respiratory droplets can pass the virus during extended face-to-face contact, and objects such as bedding, towels, and clothing that touched the rash can carry it too. You can spread mpox from the time your first symptoms begin until every lesion has scabbed over, the scabs have fallen off, and a new layer of skin has formed underneath. Covering lesions with clothing or bandages, washing your hands often, using your own bedding and towels, and avoiding sex and other close contact until you have fully healed all lower the chance of passing it on. The JYNNEOS vaccine reduces your risk if you have been exposed or belong to a group at higher risk.
What to do
- Isolate until fully healed: Stay away from close contact and sex until all scabs fall off and new skin has grown in.
- Cover the rash: Wear long sleeves, pants, or bandages over lesions when you have to be around other people.
- Keep linens separate: Use your own bedding, towels, and clothing, wash them in hot water with detergent, and avoid shaking them out.
- Clean shared surfaces: Disinfect doorknobs, counters, phones, and bathroom fixtures daily with a household disinfectant.
- Ask about vaccination: JYNNEOS can be given after a known exposure, ideally within four days, and ahead of time if you are at higher risk.
- Get any new rash checked: See a clinician promptly for testing if you develop unexplained sores, especially on the genitals, mouth, or hands.
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