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Information Áñ—†ÊÓƵ Monkeypox: Planning Our Approach to Preparation and Prevention

 

Áñ—†ÊÓƵ officials today shared the following messages with members of the University community regarding monkeypox virus planning, preparation and prevention.

To students

As federal and state officials  of the spread of the monkeypox virus, Áñ—†ÊÓƵ has engaged with public health and infectious disease experts to gather information and carefully plan our approach to preparation and prevention efforts.

Based on information provided through these discussions about the nature of the virus and its spread, we do not expect a large number of monkeypox cases on campus. Today, Áñ—†ÊÓƵ Medicine Student Health Service provides information about the virus and how the University will handle issues of isolation and academic progress for students who contract the virus. While our most recent experience with a virus outbreak has been COVID-19, it’s important to note that monkeypox is distinct in many ways, and Áñ—†ÊÓƵ’s response reflects those differences.

For the most up-to-date medical information, please refer to the , which provide information about signs, symptoms and treatment of the virus. Áñ—†ÊÓƵ Medicine also has posted on its website.

How monkeypox is transmitted

Based on what we know today, monkeypox currently is spreading primarily through close, personal skin-to-skin contact with someone who has active lesions caused by the virus, or through the sharing of fabrics such as bedding or towels. Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted infection or disease, nor is it linked to sexual orientation. Scientists are important questions about if it can be spread during intimate contact in ways beyond close skin-to-skin contact. According to public health and infectious disease experts, there is virtually no chance of contracting the virus simply from being in close proximity to someone who is infected without close skin-to-skin contact, intimate contact or exposure to items that previously touched a monkeypox skin lesion.

Infected people are contagious from the time symptoms of lesions start until all rashes or lesions Áñ—†ÊÓƵ fully healed. The recovery time varies but generally lasts from two to four weeks. In the current outbreak, the first indication of infection may be a single lesion, even before a fever occurs.

What to do if you suspect you Áñ—†ÊÓƵ monkeypox

If you suspect you Áñ—†ÊÓƵ monkeypox, or you Áñ—†ÊÓƵ had close personal contact with someone who has monkeypox, you should contact Áñ—†ÊÓƵ Medicine Student Health Service in Evanston or Chicago, depending on your location, for additional guidance. 

Student Health Service will provide initial assessment, diagnosis and treatment for students and may refer students to the Áñ—†ÊÓƵ Medicine Infectious Disease Clinic. Student Health Service also will help provide connections to public health and community partners, which will facilitate vaccination and contact tracing for higher-risk exposures, where applicable.

Vaccines and treatment

The CDC for people who Áñ—†ÊÓƵ been exposed to a known monkeypox case and those deemed to be at increased risk to contract monkeypox. Vaccine supply is limited but may increase in the coming weeks. The Áñ—†ÊÓƵ Medicine Infectious Disease Clinic currently provides vaccinations based on .

Medical providers also can share details about treatment options, which may include antiviral and pain relief medication and/or referral to an infection specialist.

Isolation

Students who contract monkeypox are required to follow current public health guidance for strict isolation protocol until they Áñ—†ÊÓƵ fully healed. Bathrooms, towels, bed linens and clothing cannot be shared during isolation. Given the length of the isolation period now advised, students living in on-campus housing must isolate off campus until they Áñ—†ÊÓƵ healed. In the rare event that a residential student is not able to isolate off campus, Áñ—†ÊÓƵ has a limited number of rooms for students to isolate on or near campus.

If students who live off campus Áñ—†ÊÓƵ monkeypox, they will need to identify appropriate solutions to isolate for the recommended duration. If students cannot fully isolate, they should take as many as they can to limit exposure to others.

Academics and medical leaves

In accordance with current public health guidance on isolation, students who contract monkeypox are not permitted to attend class, labs or other activities in person until they Áñ—†ÊÓƵ fully healed. Depending on the timing of an infection and individual academic circumstances, a medical leave of absence, which can be coordinated through the Dean of Students Office or individual schools, may be appropriate. In limited circumstances — based on their Áñ—†ÊÓƵ and current courses — students may be able to continue their studies while isolating at home.

There is no reason to delay or defer travel due to spread of the virus. Students who are currently abroad or who are scheduled to study or travel abroad in the coming months will receive additional resources from Áñ—†ÊÓƵ’s Office of Global Safety and Security and/or the school, unit or department sponsor for their travel.

We are here to support students who are affected by this virus. If you Áñ—†ÊÓƵ clinical questions, please reach out directly to a clinician or nurse through the MyNM Portal. Áñ—†ÊÓƵ will continue to share additional resources and information as we learn more.

To faculty and staff

As federal and state officials of the spread of the monkeypox virus, Áñ—†ÊÓƵ has engaged with public health and infectious disease experts to gather information and carefully plan our approach to preparation and prevention efforts.

Based on information provided through these discussions about the nature of the virus and its spread, we do not expect a large number of monkeypox cases on campus. Today, Áñ—†ÊÓƵ Medicine Student Health Service provided students with information about the virus and how the University will handle issues of isolation and academic progress for students who contract the virus. With this email, we also share the most relevant details and guidance with faculty and staff. While our most recent experience with a virus outbreak has been COVID-19, it’s important to note that monkeypox is distinct in many ways, and Áñ—†ÊÓƵ’s response reflects those differences.

For the most up-to-date medical information, please refer to the (CDC), which provide information about signs, symptoms and treatment of the virus. Áñ—†ÊÓƵ Medicine also has posted on its website.

How monkeypox is transmitted

Based on what we know today, monkeypox currently is spreading primarily through close, personal skin-to-skin contact with someone who has active lesions caused by the virus, or through the sharing of fabrics such as bedding or towels. Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted infection or disease, nor is it linked to sexual orientation. Scientists are important questions about if it can be spread during intimate contact in ways beyond close skin-to-skin contact. According to public health and infectious disease experts, there is virtually no chance of contracting the virus simply from being in close proximity to someone who is infected without close skin-to-skin contact, intimate contact or exposure to items that previously touched a monkeypox skin lesion.

Infected people are contagious from the time symptoms of lesions start until all rashes or lesions Áñ—†ÊÓƵ fully healed. The recovery time varies but generally lasts from two to four weeks. In the current outbreak, the first indication of infection may be a single lesion, even before a fever occurs. 

What to do if you suspect you Áñ—†ÊÓƵ monkeypox

If you suspect you Áñ—†ÊÓƵ monkeypox, or you Áñ—†ÊÓƵ had close personal contact with someone who has monkeypox, you should contact your medical provider immediately for instructions on next steps, including diagnosis, treatment and instructions for notifying close contacts. Faculty and staff who need to take a medical leave should follow existing Áñ—†ÊÓƵ processes.

Students who Áñ—†ÊÓƵ monkeypox, or who Áñ—†ÊÓƵ had close personal contact with someone who has monkeypox, are being told to contact Áñ—†ÊÓƵ Medicine Student Health Service in Evanston or Chicago, depending on their location.

Vaccines and treatment

The CDC for people who Áñ—†ÊÓƵ been exposed to a known monkeypox case and those deemed to be at increased risk to contract monkeypox. Vaccine supply is limited but may increase in the coming weeks. Medical providers are currently providing vaccinations based on strict .

Medical providers also can share details about treatment options, which may include antiviral and pain relief medication and/or referral to an infection specialist. 

Isolation

Faculty, staff and students who contract monkeypox are required to follow current public health guidance for strict isolation protocol until they Áñ—†ÊÓƵ fully healed. Faculty and staff should follow the direction of their medical provider. Given the length of the isolation period now advised, students living in on-campus housing must isolate off campus until they Áñ—†ÊÓƵ healed. In the rare event that a residential student is not able to isolate off campus, Áñ—†ÊÓƵ has a limited number of rooms for students to isolate on or near campus.

Student academics

In accordance with current public health guidance on isolation, students who contract monkeypox are not permitted to attend class, labs or other activities in person until they Áñ—†ÊÓƵ fully healed. Depending on the timing of an infection and individual academic circumstances, a medical leave of absence, which can be coordinated through the Dean of Students Office or individual schools, may be appropriate. In limited circumstances — based on their Áñ—†ÊÓƵ and current courses — students may be able to continue their studies while isolating at home.

There is no reason to delay or defer travel due to spread of the virus, but we strongly encourage faculty and staff to register with GeoBlue for Employees to facilitate any need for care during University-sponsored international travel.

Áñ—†ÊÓƵ will continue to share additional resources and information as we learn more.