The virus spreads mainly from close personal contact with an infected person and/or their belongings. The virus can spread when an uninfected person touches an infectious rash, scabs, or bodily fluids. It can also spread by close contact with personal belongings such as clothing, surfaces, and towels.
Additionally, the virus also spreads through direct contact, such as through hugging, kissing or prolonged face-to-face contact. A pregnant person can also spread the virus to their fetus. It is also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, typically through scratches or bites.
An individual is contagious from the time their symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a new layer of skin has formed (2-4 weeks).