Preparing for Monkeypox on Campus
Dear Campus Community,
As you may know, monkeypox has been detected in Texas and cases have been increasing rapidly across the country. While we should all take this latest outbreak of the disease seriously, understanding how this virus spreads, how you can protect yourself from infection, and what to do if you become infected will help ensure a safe and success fall semester at UTRGV.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox and how does it spread?
Monkeypox symptoms vary, but almost always involve a rash on or near an infected person’s genitals, anus, hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. Monkeypox is a contact-based disease, which means it primarily spreads from close, often skin-to-skin, contact with an infected person’s monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids. According to public health experts, people can also get infected by touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces used by someone with monkeypox.
Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, monkeypox does not spread through aerosols, but can sometimes spread through respiratory secretions. Scientists are still researching if the virus can be spread by people who are asymptomatic. Thankfully, nearly all people who have been infected with monkeypox globally have recovered.
How can I protect myself and others?
Above all, avoid close contact — especially skin-to-skin — with people who have a rash resembling monkeypox. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that means:
- Do not touch someone’s rash or scabs.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with an infected person.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with an infected person.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of an infected person.
As always, it is best practice to wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after using the restroom.
Is there a monkeypox vaccine?
Yes, however supply of the two available vaccines — JYNNEOS (preferred) and ACAM2000 (suitable alternative) — is extremely limited and only currently recommended for those at highest risk of monkeypox exposure and infection. Hidalgo county is receiving an adequate supply of monkeypox vaccines to administer in our area, although authorities are currently administering the bulk of the state’s supply (15,000 doses) in communities with the highest concentration of people who are most at risk.
What should I do if I have been exposed or am infected?
If you have flu-like symptoms and develop a rash, you should assume you are infected and isolate at home (if possible) and contact your health care provider or clinic. If you must go out, wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, cover your sores with bandages, and try to keep a distance from others.
What is UTRGV doing to promote campus safety?
UTRGV officials are in sync with our local health departments and all UT Health RGV clinical locations are ready to support campus community members in need of medical care. Additionally, the university is developing a monkeypox test, and we expect to begin testing soon. Until then, we have access to testing through an outside reference lab, if needed.
Although most of our students do not live on campus, we will be issuing specific guidance to our student athletes and those residing in campus housing to equip all with the tools for managing risk in their respective environments.
We want to reiterate that monkeypox is not another coronavirus-like threat to our campus community, university operations, or healthcare infrastructure. That said, while this virus is currently spreading predominantly through sexual contact, it is critical to understand that anyone can become infected if we fail to follow proper prevention methods.
Thank you for doing your part to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our UTRGV community from this emerging health threat.
Sincerely,
UTRGV Infectious Disease Committee