Who can get monkeypox?

Any person, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can acquire and spread monkeypox. Currently, the vast majority of the known monkeypox cases are among men who have sex with men.

Traveling to a country currently experiencing an outbreak could increase your risk of contracting monkeypox. If you are planning international travel, check that country’s infection rate on the WHO website.

Show All Answers

1. What is monkeypox?
2. How is monkeypox spread?
3. Who can get monkeypox?
4. What should I do if I have a new or unexplained rash (or other symptoms)?
5. Can I get tested for monkeypox?
6. How can I get vaccinated against monkeypox?
7. Can I get the vaccine if I was exposed to monkeypox more than 14 days ago?
8. Can I get a vaccine to prevent monkeypox even if I have not been exposed, like if I plan to travel to an area that has monkeypox?
9. What can I do to protect myself?
10. How severe can monkeypox be?
11. Is monkeypox going to be another pandemic like COVID-19?
12. How can I learn more about monkeypox?