Monkeypox spreads primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids, including during sex, as well as activities like kissing, hugging, massaging, and cuddling. Monkeypox can spread through touching materials used by a person with monkeypox that haven’t been cleaned, such as clothing, towels and bedding. It can also spread by respiratory secretions (talking, coughing, sneezing, breathing) during prolonged, close, face-to-face contact.

Link to CDPH Communications webpage

It is unknown if pregnant people are more susceptible to monkeypox virus or if infection is more severe in pregnancy. Monkeypox virus can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy or to the newborn by close contact during and after birth. Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous pregnancy loss and stillbirth, have been reported in cases of confirmed monkeypox infection during pregnancy. Preterm delivery and neonatal monkeypox infection have also been reported.  The frequency and risk factors for severity and adverse pregnancy outcomes are not known.

August 2- 6,326 confirmed cases in the US

827 cases in California

8 cases in Sonoma County

This video is a frank discussion regarding sexual transmission of monkeypox. The video includes safer sex guidelines. Remember that pregnancy does not preclude sexual activity risk factors,

or the potential for other contacts.

We need to ask our clients.

What is monkeypox? What are the symptoms? 

Monkeypox can spread to Anyone through close skin to skin contact, through contact with bedding, towels or clothing, through sexual contact. Anyone can be impacted by monkeypox, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

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