**AS OF DECEMBER 1, 2022, THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS ADOPTED THE USE OF THE TERM “MPOX” TO REFER TO MONKEYPOX.**
Monkeypox does not spread from person to person through casual conversation or by walking by
someone who is infected. The risk to the community is considered low at this time.
Monkeypox can be spread from person to person by sexual or intimate contact, hugging, cuddling, and
massage, and by sharing a towel or clothing that has not been washed.
Most people who have become infected with monkeypox had close or intimate contact or prolonged face
to face contact with an infected person. Spread can occur from touching skin lesions, bodily fluids, or parts
of clothing or linens that have been in contact with lesions or bodily fluids.
Monkeypox can be prevented by avoiding close, skin to skin contact with another person’s rash or scabs.
It can also be prevented by avoiding kissing, cuddling, or having sex with someone who is infected. Don’t
share bedding, towels, or personal grooming devices and don’t share eating utensils or cups.
If you think you have monkeypox, seek medical advice by contacting your healthcare provider.
Visit the Virginia Department of Health Website: : vdh.virginia.gov/monkeypox
