Who are the susceptible populations for monkeypox?
Oct 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, the populations susceptible to monkeypox mainly include those in close contact with infected individuals, people who raise or handle animals, individuals with weakened immune systems, children and adolescents, as well as healthcare and disease control personnel. If you belong to any of these groups, you should remain vigilant and take appropriate protective measures. In daily life, avoid contact with animals of unknown origin and ensure proper personal protection when handling animals.
Generally, the populations susceptible to monkeypox include close contacts of infected individuals, people who raise or handle animals, those with weakened immune systems, children and adolescents, as well as healthcare and epidemic prevention workers. If you belong to any of these groups, it is important to remain vigilant and take appropriate protective measures. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Close contacts of infected individuals
This group is at high risk of infection because direct contact with rashes, bodily fluids, or respiratory secretions from infected individuals—or contact with contaminated clothing, bedding, or other items—allows the virus to easily enter the body through broken skin, mucous membranes, or the respiratory tract.
2. Animal handlers or caretakers
Monkeypox virus can be transmitted from animals to humans. Individuals involved in raising, slaughtering, transporting, or handling wild rodents and primates may become infected through exposure to animal blood, secretions, or diseased tissues, allowing the virus to invade the human body.
3. Individuals with compromised immune systems
People with underlying medical conditions, those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, or those born with immune deficiencies have weakened immune systems that cannot effectively fight off viral invasion. Once infected, the virus replicates more easily in their bodies, potentially leading to more severe illness and a longer recovery period.
4. Children and adolescents
Children and adolescents have immature immune systems and weaker resistance to viruses. After exposure, they are less capable of rapidly clearing the pathogen, making them more prone to infection and likely to develop more pronounced symptoms.
5. Healthcare and epidemic control personnel
These individuals frequently come into contact with virus-contaminated sources when diagnosing, caring for infected patients, or handling related specimens. Inadequate protective measures may lead to infection via direct contact or respiratory droplets.
In daily life, avoid contact with animals of unknown origin and always practice personal protection when handling animals. If suspected or confirmed cases of monkeypox appear nearby, avoid close contact and report promptly. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever or rash occur, and inform healthcare providers of your exposure history to prevent further spread of the virus.
