UHS' Response to Monkeypox

University Health Services (UHS) continues to monitor the latest developments regarding the Mpox outbreak.  First reported in May of 2022, the Mpox outbreak is no longer considered a Public Health Emergency in the United States. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made this decision given the low number of cases, effective Jan 31, 2023. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).  Central to our response at UHS is the CDC and local department of health directives on this matter. Therefore, we will continue to collaborate with the latter on this matter.

What you should know

The monkeypox virus can spread to anyone through close/ personal contact with:

• Body fluids, rash, scabs, or respiratory secretions from infected person(s)
• Contact with clothing, objects or surfaces that have been touched by someone with monkeypox
• During intimate contact, including prolonged face-to-face contact
• Spread to the fetus through the placenta

Currently, the CDC recommends all persons with potential monkeypox symptoms be evaluated by a provider. Please call UHS if you need to speak to a provider

The symptoms to look out for include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
• A rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.
• The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
• The rash can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

You may experience all or only a few symptoms.

Testing will be reserved for those with suspected monkeypox based on symptoms, physical signs, and risk of exposure. If you think you have been exposed, or are experiencing symptoms:

• Self-isolate.
• Avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been checked out by a healthcare provider.
• Avoid gatherings, especially if they involve close, personal, skin-to-skin contact.
• Think about the people you have had close, personal, or sexual contact during the last 21 days, including people you met through dating apps. To help stop the spread, you might be asked to share this information if you have received a monkeypox diagnosis.

The local health departments will offer an initial supply of monkeypox vaccinations to those who fall in one of four risk categories. The health departments will determine each individual’s risk level and order of vaccine distribution based on the survey response. If appointments are available and you’re found eligible, you may be contacted by a public health department official to schedule your vaccination. UHS does not have vaccine supplies. Only the health departments do.

FOR THE LATEST UPDATES…

Multi-Country: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON396

United States: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/index.html

Ohio: https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/infectious-disease-control-manual/section3/section-3-monkeypox

Ohio Department of Health Monkeypox Dashboard: https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/mpx/monkeypox-dashboard