Stating that monkeypox (mpox) virus is transmitted through skin lesions, body fluids, or prolonged respiratory droplets of an infected person, experts recommend avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms.
Considering the main transmission routes of the virus, the risk of transmission through swimming pools, the sea, or other water sources is low, stated Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu, adding, “The chlorine levels used in swimming pools inactivate the virus. However, direct skin contact with someone who has lesions during swimming can pose a risk.”
Üsküdar University Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, Head of Biosecurity Department, Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu, provided information on the risk of monkeypox virus transmission in areas such as pools, Turkish baths, and thermal spas.
Can monkeypox virus spread in a pool?
Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu reminded that monkeypox (mpox) virus is primarily transmitted through skin lesions, body fluids, or prolonged respiratory droplets of an infected person, and said, “Considering the main transmission routes of the virus, the risk of transmission through swimming pools, the sea, or other water sources is quite low. However, direct skin contact with someone who has lesions during swimming can pose a risk.”
Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu pointed out that there is no evidence that the monkeypox virus survives in disinfected environments such as chlorinated water, and stated, “The chlorine levels used in swimming pools inactivate the virus. Therefore, properly maintained pools are generally safe.”
Individuals with symptoms should not enter swimming areas
Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu also stated that there is no specific data regarding other water sources such as Turkish baths or thermal spas, and said, “It is generally accepted that properly maintained water sources pose a low risk for virus spread.”
Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu added that in terms of hygiene, proper disinfection of water in swimming pools and regular cleaning of surfaces are important, and emphasized that it is critical for individuals with symptoms not to enter public swimming areas to prevent transmission.
Hands should be washed after contact with shared items
Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu reminded that authorities recommend avoiding close contact with individuals showing monkeypox symptoms, and concluded by saying, “Ensuring personal hygiene and washing hands after contact with surfaces or shared items can reduce the risk of virus spread. From a public health perspective, it is recommended that individuals with symptoms be isolated and keep away from the community during the infectious period of the disease. In summary, although the risk of monkeypox virus transmission through water is low, it is important to pay attention to hygiene rules and avoid direct contact with infected individuals.”