MONKEYPOX

Symptoms of monkeypox can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
• A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
  • The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. Learn more about monkeypox signs and symptoms.

According to the CDC, monkeypox does not spread easily between people without close contact. Monkeypox can spread from person to person through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, fluid from sores or saliva. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact. It can also be spread by touching objects, fabrics and surfaces that have been contaminated with the fluids or sores of a person with monkeypox.

Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Anyone in close personal contact with a person with monkeypox can get it and should take steps to protect themselves. Learn more about how monkeypox spreads.

• See a healthcare provider if you notice a new or unexplained rash or other monkeypox symptoms. Villanova students should call the Student Health Center at 610-519-4070.
  
• Avoid close contact (including intimate physical contact) with others until you see a healthcare provider.
• Avoid close contact with pets or other animals until you see a healthcare provider.
• If you’re waiting for test results, follow the same precautions.
• If your test result is positive, stay isolated and observe other prevention practices until your rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
• Remain isolated if you have a fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough. Only go out to see a healthcare provider or for an emergency. Avoid public transportation.
• If you must leave isolation, cover the rash and wear a well-fitting mask.

Effective vaccines do exist for monkeypox. The vaccine is currently recommended as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for those who have had direct contact with someone who has monkeypox. At the present time, the CDC is not recommending widespread vaccination against monkeypox.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has established Monkeypox Vaccine administration framework for immunizations.

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
• Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

Learn more about preventing monkeypox.

The Student Health Center is committed to caring for all students. If you develop symptoms consistent with monkeypox or have questions or concerns, please contact the Student Health Center at 610-519-4070.

• Villanova is following guidance from the PA Department of Health and the CDC regarding the diagnosis and management of potential monkeypox cases in our community. As per current CDC guidelines, persons who are diagnosed with monkeypox must self-isolate from the time their symptoms start until their rash has fully healed. This illness and isolation period typically lasts two to four weeks.
  

• Any student who is diagnosed with monkeypox will be asked to return home to isolate. If a student cannot isolate safely at home, the University will work with the student to assist in making appropriate off-campus arrangements.
  

• Students in isolation have an excused absence from class attendance. Like any prolonged illness, the University will work with students to fulfill their academic requirements for the semester.
  

• Testing for monkeypox is available to students in the Student Health Center with results available in three to five days. Employees seeking testing should contact their primary care provider regarding testing options.