Monkeypox (Mpox)

Mpox is a virus that anyone can get, but it is very different from COVID-19 and other highly-transmissible illnesses in that it does not easily spread between individuals through casual contact, such as being in the same space or room with an infected person. Direct contact with the rash (or potentially with a contaminated surface) is required. Mpox is an orthopoxvirus in the same genus as smallpox, but Mpox is less contagious than smallpox, and the symptoms are generally milder.

The most telling symptom of Mpox is the rash, which often changes over days and can be described as bumps, pustules, blisters, or vesicles. Mpox can also cause fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph glands, and these symptoms may be present before the rash.

Mpox is rarely fatal and usually can be managed in an outpatient setting with over-the-counter pain medication. The Mpox rash and illness can last about two-four weeks but generally doesn’t cause severe or long-term health effects in otherwise healthy individuals. However, it can cause severe, painful illness in some, especially those at high risk, including people who are immunocompromised, pregnant, elderly, or under eight years of age.

Anyone can become infected with Mpox.

Sexual and gender minorities have been disproportionately affected by the current outbreak. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health note that it’s critical that clinicians and health care providers must act based on evidence without blaming or stigmatizing any population.

The virus most commonly spreads through close contact and direct skin-to-skin contact with the infectious rash or lesions that Mpox presents. The CDC website is a good resource for current information on transmission.

Mpox infection is confirmed using a PCR test to detect viral DNA from a specimen obtained by swabbing a lesion (rash).

People with Mpox who are at high risk for or have severe illness may qualify for an antiviral medication called tecovirimat (TPOXX). If you have symptoms and test positive for Mpox, talk to your health care provider about treatment options. It is important to note that the availability of this medication is limited and tightly regulated. Strong Memorial Hospital is working with the New York State Department of Health and the Monroe County Health Department to ensure an adequate supply.

A vaccine (Jynneos) is also available for those exposed to a known case of Mpox. Like the TPOXX medication, supplies are limited and managed by the local health departments.

• University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) campus: URMC faculty, staff and students should follow the guidance provided on the URMC Intranet (login credentials required).
  
• All other campuses: If a student is confirmed to have Mpox, UHS will immediately initiate its contact tracing processes to identify anyone in close contact with the infected student, and the ill student will move to isolation housing. University Facilities will also sanitize any shared on-campus living space. The Monroe County Health Department will be notified of any Mpox cases on campus.
  If you are a student and develop symptoms consistent with Mpox, please contact University Health Service at (585) 275-2662. A sample will be taken for a PCR test and processed at the Medical Center to confirm that the illness is Mpox.
  If you are a faculty or staff member (non-URMC), please contact your primary care provider to be evaluated, isolate, and notify UHS Occupational Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides the most up-to-date information on the Mpox vaccine, who can receive it, and how to access it.

Additionally, the New York State Department of Health has a dedicated site that lists the current Mpox vaccination information in the state.

For the non-URMC campuses, it is not yet known if during the academic year we will be able to provide the Mpox vaccine to students, faculty, or staff who wish to receive it; more information will be communicated when it becomes available.

The University of Rochester Medical Center has information about Mpox, its treatment, and how it can spread. Visit the URMC website to learn more about the steps you can take to prevent infection and recognize early symptoms.