Monkeypox is caused by infection with monkeypox virus (MPXV). Although monkeypox is being transmitted through sexual contact, the virus can infect anyone who comes into direct contact with the lesions or scabs, body fluids, respiratory droplets or contaminated linens or towels.
The incubation period from the time of contact to the time of first symptoms is between 5–21 days. An individual is contagious until all the scabs have fallen off and there is intact skin underneath.
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