Monkeypox Virus (MPV) Information
July 27, 2022 4:02 PM

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking a 2022 U.S. Monkeypox virus (MPV) outbreak. Locally, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is closely monitoring reported cases in Champaign County.

Below is important information about MPV as well as recommended precautions to help ensure our campus community remains safe.

What is Monkeypox?

• Rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus (MPV)
• Similar symptoms to smallpox, but more mild
• Illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks
• Rarely fatal

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle aches and/or backache
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body

How is it Spread?

• Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
• Touching objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox
• Contact with respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact
• Contact during intimate physical contact or touching the genitals of a person with monkeypox
• Hugging, massage, and kissing
• Pregnant women can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

Who is at Risk?

• Anyone can get MPV
• Persons with multiple, anonymous, and/or same sex partners may increase their chance of exposure to monkeypox
• High-risk population: men who have sex with men

When to Seek Medical Care?

If you experience any of the following seek medical attention immediately:

• Symptoms including fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and/or backache, chills, exhaustion
• New or unexplained sores or rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and other parts of the body
• Or, if you have been exposed to someone who presented with symptoms or was diagnosed with monkeypox

Treatment:

• There are no specific monkeypox treatments, however, due to its similarities to smallpox, an antiviral drug may be prescribed
• Students who have paid the Health Service Fee may seek care at McKinley Health Center for symptoms or exposure (an antiviral treatment or monkeypox vaccine may be provided (depending on availability))

Preventive Steps:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with monkeypox
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

For the most up-to-date MPV information for Champaign County, please visit CUPHD’s Monkeypox (MPV) Information. 

Thank you for your attention and efforts to help protect all members of our community.

Sincerely,

Awais Vaid
Director, McKinley Health Center