Human Monkeypox (MPX)
Updates and information
In an effort to be proactive, San Diego State University is providing information and guidance related to monkeypox (MPX0 to help ensure that students, faculty and staff are well informed about prevention and symptoms.
SDSU is closely monitoring the developments around this virus and will provide updates as appropriate. To help keep yourself and others safe, familiarize yourself with the monkeypox symptoms and prevention methods.
Case Notification
On Sept. 1, Student Health Services notified the SDSU community that a case of monkeypox (MPX) had been confirmed in a student who lives off-campus. This student has had limited access to campus and the exposure risk is low. The student is isolating off campus and recovering.
Student Health Services is monitoring the case with our county partners. Close contacts of the non-residential student have already been identified and are being directly notified through contract tracing conducted by Student Health Services.
Case Dashboard
Campus |
Students |
Faculty/Staff |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SDSU San Diego (on-campus)* |
0 |
- |
0 |
|
SDSU San Diego (non-residential) |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
SDSU Imperial Valley |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
SDSU Georgia |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Total |
1 |
0 |
0 |
*On-campus is defined as individuals who live on campus.
Report an MPX case or exposure
What You Need to Know
Monkeypox (MPX) is rarely fatal and does not spread as easily or rapidly as other viruses, such as the one that causes COVID-19. As of the start of Fall 2022, the current risk of getting MPX remains low for the general public, however, the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that the MPX virus is spreading quickly enough that it warrants general prevention
What is Monkeypox (MPX)
The monkeypox virus spreads through the following means:
- Close, personal or intimate skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact;
- Direct contact with the MPX rash, pus-filled lesions, scabs or body fluids including respiratory secretions from an infected person; and
- Touching clothing, bedding, towels, objects or surfaces used by someone with MPX
Symptoms
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people with MPX get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus, and could 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 initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Other symptoms of monkeypox can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and backache
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
You may experience all or only a few symptoms:
- Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.
- Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.
- Others only experience a rash.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of MPX, talk to your healthcare provider. Students should reach out to Student Health Services at 619-594-4325 for guidance.
Lowering Your Risk, Preventative Steps
You can take steps to prevent getting monkeypox and lower your risk of infection by adhering to the following guidance:
- Avoid close contact with people who have a rash or lesions that look like MPX.
- Avoid contact with objects and materials used by a person with MPX.
- Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
As the vaccine supply is limited, shots are not widely available to the public. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination for people exposed to the MPX virus as the vaccine can help prevent an infection from developing even after exposure.
Resources
For more information on local case numbers, symptoms, transmission risk, prevention and treatment, the following resources are available:
- California Department of Public Health
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency
- Imperial County Public Health Department
A: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes that people with MPX get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. The CDC shares that the rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing, and that it can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. Other symptoms may include the following: fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches and a backache, headache and respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough).
A: According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), MPX can be spread by:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact with the sores or scabs of people with MPX
- Direct contact with body fluids of people with MPX, such as drainage from skin sores or saliva that was in contact with mouth sores
- Contact with the respiratory secretions of people with MPX, such as saliva, during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
- Touching items (such as bedding towels, clothing, cups and utensils) that previously touched the sores or body fluids of people with MPX
To date, there has been no evidence that MPX is spread by:
- Attending an outdoor event with fully clothed people
- Trying on clothes or shoes at the store
- Traveling in an airport, on a plane or on other public transit
Swimming in a pool or body of water - Going to a public setting (grocery store, restaurant, workplace, restroom)
A: According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), to date, there has been no evidence that MPX is spread by:
- Attending an outdoor event with fully clothed people
- Trying on clothes or shoes at the store
- Traveling in an airport, on a plane or on other public transit
- Swimming in a pool or body of water
- Going to a public setting (grocery store, restaurant, workplace, restroom)
MPX is also not spread through passing, casual contact or brief conversations.
A: MPX typically results in flu-like symptoms and a rash or sores. For most individuals, they will recover from MPX in 2 to 4 weeks without medications and will not experience serious complications. MPX is rarely fatal, though people with weakened immune systems, children under the age of 8, people with a history of eczema, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding are more likely to experience complications. Anyone who has MPX-like symptoms should see their healthcare provider who can assess their medical history and provide appropriate care and treatment.
A: Attendees should consider the nature of the event when assessing for potential risk of MPX. Events where attendees are fully clothed and skin-to-skin contact is minimal are safer, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Events where clothing is minimal or where there is an increased amount of personal or skin-to-skin contact has some risk and events with a high degree of skin-to-skin contact in enclosed spaces (e.g. saunas, back rooms, or locations where anonymous sexual contact occurs) are higher risk.
A: If you have signs and symptoms of MPX, particularly unusual rashes or lesions (sores), please contact a healthcare provider or your primary care physician right away. Your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and order testing if it is needed. Students may contact Student Health Services at 619-594-4325.
A: Smallpox vaccines were a routine childhood vaccination until 1972. With eradication of smallpox declared a few years later, it’s no longer included as a childhood vaccine. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the smallpox vaccine is at least 85% effective against MPX, though this effectiveness wanes over time. The vaccine is most effective at preventing infection for about three to five years, but experts believe that previous vaccination may protect against severe illness after that time.
A: At this time, MPX testing must be conducted by a healthcare provider. If you have concerns that you may have MPX, please contact your healthcare provider. Students may contact Student Health Services at 619-594-4325.
A: At this time, there is a limited supply of MPX vaccine. As a result, the County of San Diego is administering vaccinations to high risk populations in accordance with recommendations from the California Department of Public Health. Information about priority groups as well as vaccine access is available on the County of San Diego’s MPX Vaccine website.
A: At this time, Student Health Services does not carry the MPX vaccine. We will continue to collaborate with the County of San Diego on connecting students who are in high risk priority groups to the vaccine.
A: There are no treatments specifically for monkeypox virus infections. However, because of genetic similarities in the viruses, antiviral drugs used to treat smallpox may be used to treat monkeypox infections. These medications, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX) are most likely to be recommended for those at risk of becoming severely ill if infected with MPX. This includes individuals with weakened immune systems. For more information, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s MPX Treatment page. If you have been diagnosed with MPX, please discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider.
A: Please report your exposure to the university via [email protected], whether you have been on or off campus. A member of the university’s health response team will contact you to provide guidance and resources. If you have been exposed and you have developed symptoms of MPX, please contact your healthcare provider. Students may contact Student Health Services at 619-594-4325.
A: Please report your diagnosis to the university via [email protected]. A member of the university’s health response team will contact you to provide guidance and resources. Please self-isolate at home and stay in a separate room away from other people or pets when possible. Make arrangements to study and work from home if you are well enough to do so. The university’s health response team will provide additional instructions and support when they connect with you. You will also receive a call from the County of San Diego’s Health & Human Services Agency or the Imperial County Public Health Department so they can provide resources as well as conduct contact tracing to help with notification of close contacts.
A: According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH):
- MPX can spread from the time symptoms start until all sores have healed, scabs are off and a fresh layer of skin has formed underneath. This can take several weeks.
- MPX symptoms usually start within 2 weeks (but can be up to 3 weeks) after exposure to the virus.
- Researchers are still trying to understand if the virus can spread from someone who has no symptoms.
A: Should there be a confirmed MPX case within the university’s residential housing spaces, SDSU will work with the student to provide isolation space and support.
Last updated: September 1, 2022
