Mpox: How operators can reduce the risk of spread in community settings

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Community settings

This page contains information for people who operate non-health care community settings. It’s also for organizers of events and activities with a higher risk of spreading mpox (previously known as monkeypox). These include:

How to use this information

If you operate a community setting or organize events, this information can help you:

This advice is based on the best available scientific evidence, expert opinion, and precautionary principles. However, please keep in mind:

Review the sections below for specific questions and actions to consider when assessing your setting and the activities in it. These will also help you determine which measures will help reduce the risk of mpox spreading in your setting.

Learn more about:

Mpox activity in your community and setting

Anyone can get mpox if they come into close contact with someone who has the virus. You can get mpox from contact with an infected person’s body fluids, lesions, scabs or personal items. It’s possible for mpox to spread through the air, but this plays a small role.

Currently, most cases are among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM), especially those with multiple sexual partners. However, the risk of exposure to the virus is not limited to any particular group or setting.

It’s important to monitor the mpox situation in your community. This will keep you informed about the potential for someone with mpox visiting your setting.

Using several different public health measures together is an effective way to reduce the spread of mpox. If you have questions about any of these measures, consult:

Questions to consider

Actions to consider

Learn more:

Activities that may increase the risk of mpox spread

Certain activities may increase the risk of transmission if someone with mpox is in your setting. These include:

Mpox is more likely to spread in settings where people engage in close or sexual contact, particularly with:

Questions to consider

Actions to consider

Learn more:

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