Healthy WPU – COVID Information

Monkeypox is part of a family of viruses that causes smallpox. Thus, symptoms are similar to smallpox, however much less severe and rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox, but it is a virus that is spread, most commonly through close intimate contact with someone with the known virus. It is less transmissible than chickenpox, measles, or even COVID-19.

• Monkeypox can cause a rash that looks like bumps, blisters, or ulcers, sometimes located on hands, feet, chest, face, around the genitals, or inside the body, including the mouth, vagina, or anus.
• Some people have a flu-like illness before the rash develops.
• Most people recover in 2–4 weeks, but the disease can be severe, especially for children and people who are immune compromised or pregnant.
• Other symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and fatigue.
• An individual isn’t considered contagious until symptoms appear. They remain contagious until all sores have healed, a new layer of skin is formed, and scabs have fallen off.
• See photos of Monkeypox rash.

Anyone can get monkeypox, regardless of age, sex, or gender identity, though the virus does not spread easily. Routes of transmission include:

• Direct physical contact with monkeypox rash, sores, or scabs from a person with monkeypox. The CDC believes this is currently the most common way monkeypox spreads in the U.S.
• Kissing and other face-to-face contact due to contact with respiratory droplets or oral fluids (saliva)
• During sex through skin-to-skin and other intimate sexual contact
• Contact with objects, fabrics (e.g., clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces used by someone with monkeypox
• It does not linger in the air; it is not thought to be transmitted during short periods of shared air space.

Some groups at heightened risk for severe outcomes include people with suppressed immune systems, older adults, children under 8 years old, and people who are pregnant.

 Vaccines are available in limited supply, at no cost, for individuals with known or suspected exposure to monkeypox. Vaccination in Raleigh is currently only available through the Health Department. WPU does not have access to the monkeypox vaccine, although we have been in touch with health authorities about getting students tested and vaccinated as needed.

• Ask your sexual partners whether they have a rash or other symptoms of monkeypox, such as fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion.
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or other monkeypox symptoms and those diagnosed with monkeypox.
• Don’t share bedding, towels, clothing, utensils, or cups with a person with symptoms of monkeypox.
• For more information – quick facts

• If you start experiencing symptoms, even if they are mild, talk to your healthcare provider immediately.
• Are you a student? The Wellness Center is here to support you. Please schedule an appointment to be evaluated at: healthservices@peace.edu.
• Are you a faculty or staff member? Contact your medical provider.

• Wake County Health Department
• Centers for Disease Control

The WPU Planning Team regularly meets to monitor COVID-19, monkeypox, and other community health concerns. Please continue to be diligent in looking out for the health, safety, and well-being of one another, and thank you for supporting all members of our campus community.