Hello Doctors.  5 days ago I received a massage from a male masseuse.  It evolved into some intimate activity.  We stoked each other's genitals with our hands.  There was some brief body to body contact as well.  Lastly, his finger did briefly enter my anus and I did touch his anus.  Neither one of us climaxed.  There was no anal or oral intercourse of any sort, no kissing, and no close facial contact.  I did not observe or feel any sores on his body.  While I believe this to be a safe encounter with regard to STIs, I am worried about MPX transmission.  A lot of news lately about MPX.  Should I be concerned?  Incidentally, I just read today that more and more experts are convinced that transmission associated with this recent outbreak is primarily, if not exclusively, caused by oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse and the exchange of bodily fluids.  Not necessarily just skin to skin contact.  That gave me some hope that I was not at significant risk.  I look forward to your comments.  Thanks so much.

Welcome to the Forum.  Thank for your questions. Six months ago, I would have assured you that there was no risk for HIV or other STIs from the activities that you describe,  Monkeypox has changed the game however.  Although the virus is present in genital secretions, it is highly infectious through direct,, non-penetrative contact.  In fact, much of the current epidemic has arisen through non-penetrative activities.  Fortunately MPX, while increasing remains relatively uncommon in North America.  I would characterize your risk for monkeypox as low but not zero.  As a generalization however, if available, I'd encourage you to seek vaccination which is becoming more widely available through local health apartments and men's heath centers, particularly if you anticipate further casual encounters. Monkeypox will likely be with us for a while.  EWH---

Thank you Dr. Hook.  Is my risk considered “low” given that I did not see any hand, genital, or body sores and that there was no intercourse, genital to genital contact, or kissing?  Given my description of the encounter, how would the virus hypothetically have the opportunity to enter by body?

I classified our risk as low because of a combination of the following:---

One last question. The body contact was very minimal and I believe he had clothing on. So, for the virus to transmit he would have had to have an open sore on his hand during mutual masturbation?  Thank you for your time and excellent responses.  

Thanks for the additional information. It was not clear to me that his clothes were on.  That certainly reduces the likelihood of infection.  Thus ou are correct, the major route of infection would be transfer on his hands.---

We divide up to three responses to each quiet questions. This is my third response. This thread is now being closed. Take care. EWH---