Monkeypox Is Spreading Through Sex, But It’s Not an STI

For years, the dating app Grindr has doled out sexual health tips to its more than 11 million users. Now, the app, which serves the gay, bisexual and transgender community, is using its platform to get the word out about monkeypox, a virus that’s long been endemic in parts of Africa, but has recently spread to countries including the US and UK.

Monkeypox is characterized by clusters of blister-like rashes, which health officials say has led to misdiagnosing the disease as common sexually transmitted infections. The virus also appears to be spreading in much the same way as STIs: through close, intimate contact. But repeated misdiagnoses could allow monkeypox to spread undetected — and would prevent those infected from getting the right treatment.

Typically, monkeypox is thought to spread via large respiratory droplets, contact with sores or the sharing of things like bed sheets or clothing with someone shedding the virus. Many of the new cases so far have been linked to men who have sex with men, which suggests the virus may be spreading through sexual networks, experts say. So Grindr has been working to get accurate information about the outbreak to its users. This past weekend, the app sent a pop-up alert in 13 different languages to users in the UK and Europe, where the majority of cases so far have been found. The alerts contained links to verified, up-to-date monkeypox information from public health authorities like the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.