New study suggests monkeypox symptoms linked to type of sex patients have

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A new study suggests monkeypox symptoms may be tied to the type of sex patients have.

The study, conducted by scientists in Spain, involved 181 patients who were infected with monkeypox between May 11 and June 29. The group was a mix of people who identified as gay and bisexual men who have sex with men, as well as heterosexual men and women. All participants presented with skin lesions.

Investigators took swabs for PCR testing from patient lesions, genitals, anus and the back of their throat. They then questioned patients about their recent sexual behaviors. Questions included the number of partners they and whether they engaged in vaginal, anal or oral sex. 

Investigators took swabs for PCR testing from patient lesions, genitals, anus and the back of their throat. They then questioned patients about their recent sexual behaviors. Questions included the number of partners they had and what types of sex and genders were involved.

“Our study strengthens the evidence for skin-to-skin contact during sex as the dominant mechanism of transmission of monkeypox, with important implications for disease control,” the authors wrote.

The CDC’s latest numbers show 11,890 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the U.S; of those, 84 are in Indiana.

Indiana Department of Health is distributing vaccinations through a web survey page.