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The hypothesis of an airborne spread of the monkeypox virus must be excluded. In any case, this is the verdict of researchers from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Can the monkeypox virus spread through the air? For experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that’s a firm no – even as other healthcare professionals believe short-range airborne transmission is entirely possible.
Airborne transmission of monkeypox: a rare but possible phenomenon?
“Monkeypox is not known to persist in the air and is not transmitted during short periods of shared airspace“, said the CDC, Thursday, June 9.
This statement follows an article by New York Times in which scientists share their uncertainties about the transmission of the virus.
As a reminder, the virus is usually transmitted by physical contact, via wounds or contaminated materials (clothing, household linen, etc.). It can also spread as respiratory droplets expelled by an infected patient.
“But he can’t linger in the air for long distances“, remind the experts of the CDC.
A misleading statement according to many infectious disease specialists. Admittedly, airborne transmission of monkeypox seems to be rare, but it “remains possible and justifies precautions“, says the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Airborne transmission may not be the dominant route of transmission, nor very efficient, but it can still occur“said Linsey Marr, an airborne virus expert at Virginia Tech.
In 2017, infections also occurred in Africa, in two health workers “who had no direct contact with patients“, said the WHO scientists.
The American health authorities nevertheless want to be reassuring. Although it spreads through the air, monkeypox is not as contagious as the coronavirus.
To prevent the risk of contamination, any sick person must isolate themselves for three weeks from the onset of symptoms. She must also wear a surgical mask, not have physical contact with other people, and keep her scabs from the blisters in trash bags.
It goes without saying that the patient (or patient) should not have sexual intercourse for 21 days following the onset of symptoms.
Once the isolation period is over, a cleaning of the home is strongly recommended.
Finally, anyone potentially infected should see a doctor and should perform a diagnostic PCR test. While waiting for the result, the person must remain isolated at home.