According to the WHO, respiratory droplets are one of the routes of transmission of the mpox virus

According to the WHO, droplets are a minor route of transmission for mpox, as stated by a spokesperson for the organization. On Tuesday, the WHO highlighted the need for more research to better understand how the virus is transmitted. According to the organization, mpox is transmitted mainly through direct contact between people. On its official website, the WHO explains that the virus can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, kissing, touching and other types of physical contact. In addition, transmission can also occur by being in close proximity to an infected person, such as during a conversation or close breathing.

Statement by WHO Spokesperson

During a press briefing, WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris explained that being close to someone during a conversation, breathing on them or simply being in close proximity can transmit the virus through respiratory droplets, especially if there are injuries that can be transferred. However, she stressed that this form of transmission is less significant compared to direct contact, such as kissing or sexual intercourse. “If you're talking to someone nearby, if you're breathing on them, if you're physically close to them, it's possible that respiratory droplets, if there's an injury, could travel to someone else,” said Margaret Harris. She also reinforced the importance of conducting more research to understand how the virus transmits in a deeper and more comprehensive way.

Embed from Getty Images

_{Photo of a warning about the virus at an international airport. (Photo: Reproduction/Getty Images Embed/R.SATISH BABU)}

Observations so far

Current WHO recommendations include rigorous cleaning and disinfection of objects and surfaces, as well as regular hand washing, especially after touching objects, surfaces and public places. When in close proximity to someone who is infected or suspected of being infected, it is recommended to wear a mask and avoid close contact as much as possible. In addition, it is crucial to avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose without thoroughly washing and disinfecting your hands, and keeping them away from potential risks. In general, the WHO suggests that the use of masks should be restricted to health professionals, infected people and those who are in close contact with infected people in their homes.

The resurgence of mpox, formerly known as “monkeypox,” in Africa — particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda — and the emergence of the new variant, clade 1b, prompted the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, the organization's highest level of alert.

Featured Photo: Close-up stock in a laboratory. (Photo: Reproduction/Getty Images Embed/Talukdar)