Public health advice for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men on the recent outbreak of monkeypox. June 2022

This document provides public health information relevant to vulnerable groups in the context of the smallpox outbreak in countries of the Americas.

Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, can contract monkeypox because the disease is spread by close contact with symptomatic persons. However, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men have been identified as an at-risk group.

National and subnational health authorities are recommended to actively work with relevant civil society and community-based organizations to ensure that affected communities are adequately informed and empowered to protect themselves from the disease. This includes communication in a relevant and culturally appropriate language and the use of communication channels used by their members.