Since early May 2022, cases of monkeypox (猴痘) have been reported from countries where the disease is not endemic(地方性流行的), and continue to be reported in several endemic countries. Most confirmed cases with travel history reported travel to countries in Europe and North America, rather than West or Central Africa where the monkeypox virus is endemic. This is the first time that many monkeypox cases and clusters have been reported concurrently in non-endemic and endemic countries in widely disparate geographical areas. Click here for more information.
WHO is collaborating with health authorities to prevent further spread of the disease. We are issuing guidance to help countries on surveillance, laboratory work, clinical care, infection prevention and control, as well as risk communication and community engagement to inform communities at risk and the broader general public about monkeypox and how to keep safe.
You can catch monkeypox through close contact with someone who has symptoms. Close contact includes skin-to-skin; face-to-face; mouth-to-skin; and mouth-to-mouth. You can also catch monkeypox from contaminated bedding, towels, surfaces or objects.
Protect yourself
• If someone you know is diagnosed with or has suspected monkeypox, avoid close contact with them
• Know the symptoms and check yourself regularly
• If you have symptoms, seek health advice and self-isolate while you wait to get tested
• Get vaccinated if it is available to you
• Clean and disinfect environments that could have been contaminated with the virus from someone who is infectious
• Stay informed about monkeypox in your area
• Have open, non-judgmental conversations with people you come into close contact with about any symptoms you or they may have
Protect others if you are recovering from monkeypox at home
• Isolate in a separate room
• Use a separate bathroom, or clean and disinfect it (with household disinfectant) after each use
• Clean hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects
• Avoid sweeping and vacuuming
• Use separate dishes, cups, bedding, towels and electronics
• Do your own laundry. Put everything in a plastic bag before carrying it to the washing machine. Use soap and water > 60 degrees.
• Open windows
