People can get monkeypox when they are bitten or scratched by an animal, prepare wild game or have contact with an infected animal or possibly animal products. Human-to-human transmission is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required, according to the CDC. The virus can also spread through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores or items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores, such as clothing and bedding.