Monkeypox and sex: Sexual orientations and encounters are key factors to consider

Abstract

Background and Aims The monkeypox (mpox) virus was endemic to some African countries that have recently spread worldwide creating multicountry outbreaks outside of Africa. This most current mpox outbreak is caused by a variety of factors. However, there are some conflicting ideas and pejorative claims about this. Therefore, we conducted this narrative review to highlight the associations of mpox infection with sexual orientations and encounters and to break the misconception about mpox. Methods To find pertinent information and data, we searched Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The results of the study were supported by a large number of studies that demonstrated a connection between the mpox and sexual orientation. To gather information, we read the pertinent articles. Results According to the available documents, we have seen that there are normally two ways of monkeypox transmission. However, the LGBTQ and MSM communities are disproportionately affected by mpox infection. Numerous research have only focused on the sexual orientation of victims. According to a study, there were 54,709 laboratory‐confirmed cases of mpox where the majority of these cases were in men who had sex with men and reported recent sexual activity with one or more partners. According to a study from Italy, the mpoxvirus was recently discovered in a sample of human semen from cases of confirmed mpox. However, this finding has not yet been confirmed because there is a chance that the specimen was contaminated by another means. Conclusion The present study suggests that there might have a prominent association between epidemiology of mpox infection and sexual orientations patients. Therefore, the general public should be made aware of mpox infections by healthcare authorities. They should let the people know about the facts about mpox. Only comprehensive planning and preventive measures will be able to halt this epidemic infection's pandemic progression.

Cues to action, perceived risk, perceived benefits, perceived obstacles and executed safety behavior of preventing monkeypox infection among PLWH : a structural equation model

“…The score of PLWH with a fixed sexual partner is higher than that with out a fixed sexual partner, and the difference is statistically significant (P<0.01). There is limited research on the correlation between sexual orientation, fixed sexual partner and monkeypox prevention behavior, but previous studies have confirmed a significant correlation between sexual orientation, fixed sexual partner and monkeypox infection [39]. Every PLWH has received ART related treatment and doesn't infect with monkeypox ever or currently.…”

Assessment of risk perception and subjective norms related to Mpox (monkeypox) among adult males in Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study

“…The likelihood of having high subjective norms was 2. 25 higher in people having one sexual partner than those involved with more than one sexual partner.…”

“… 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 So, individual risk perception and subjective norms are critical predictors of vaccination decisions against Mpox. Since the current Mpox disease is more likely to affect young, middle‐aged males, 25 , 26 it is essential to know about their perception of risk and subjective norms related to Mpox, which would provide insight into their decision on vaccination if in future any vaccination program against Mpox infection is recommended. Therefore, we aimed to conduct this cross‐sectional survey on the male population to assess their risk perceptions and subjective norms, which will considerably contribute to combating this new emerging threat.…”

Monkeypox: Anecdotes from the UAE

“…Most patients were men who had sex with men and some had heterosexual contacts. [3] Rarely did we come across with patients without any sexual contact. Interestingly, we have noticed that the incidence of this disease is low in females.…”