Mpox can be passed on from person to person through:
- Any close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs (including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling or holding hands)
- Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with mpox
- The coughs or sneezes of a person with mpox when they're close to you
In parts of west, central and east Africa, mpox can also be caught from infected rodents (such as rats, mice and squirrels) if:
- you're bitten
- you touch their fur, skin, blood, body fluids, spots, blisters or scabs
- you eat their meat and it has not been cooked thoroughly