Can Monkeypox Be Transmitted Sexually? Virus in Semen Sparks Questions.In recent days, there has been concern surrounding the community in Iraq in particular. There has been concern that the stigma concerning gay and bisexual men, attaching itself to monkeypox, could hinder LGBTQ+ communities across the globe. Russia uses language such as "non-traditional", "traditional values" or "traditional family," in laws concerning the LGBTQ+ community.
However, there remain many obstacles for the community in the country.Īccording to the Council for Global Equality, Russian authorities have repeatedly denied to allow Pride parades and "condoned anti-LGBT statements by government officials."Ī law passed in 2013 banned the distribution of propaganda about "non-traditional" sexual relationships to minors. Russia liberalized some of its LGBTQ+ laws following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. The center reported that worldwide, 1,882 cases have been confirmed. Russia's sanitary agency, the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, claimed on June 8 that there are no monkeypox cases in Russia, TASS reported.Īccording to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, 1,158 monkeypox cases have been recorded across 22 EU/EEA countries. However, the reason for a higher proportion among men who have sex with men, is unclear. Therefore, it is easily explained why it may spread among sexual partners. Monkeypox is mainly transmitted through close, direct contact.
Several organizations and campaigners have warned against attaching a stigma to the virus. Monkeypox, however, is not a sexually-transmitted disease. Ī significant proportion, but not all, of confirmed monekypox cases are among men who have sex with men.
Russian microbiologist Alexander Gintsburg told Russian state-run news agency TASS that he was "afraid" that the recent spread of monkeypox could not be explained by gay sex.