2022 Monkeypox Outbreak
University Health and Counseling Services is closely monitoring the increase in monkeypox cases, and the global health emergency issued by the World Health Organization. To protect our community, UHCS will follow guidance from Massachusetts Department of Public Health regarding Monkeypox. If you believe that you have been exposed or suspect that you have monkeypox, contact UHCS at 617-373-2772 to set up an appointment to meet with a provider.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare virus that presents as a rash with painful blisters and lesions on the skin. Often persons will have a flu-like illness before the rash. This might include fever, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, or general body aches. It can be spread by skin-to-skin contact, through close and personal contact. Visit Massachusetts Department of Public Health to learn more about Signs and Symptoms.
How is monkeypox transmitted?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Monkeypox spreads in a few ways:
- Through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
- Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
- Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
- Contact with respiratory secretions.
- This direct contact can happen during intimate contact, including:
- Oral, anal, and vaginal sex or touching the genitals or anus of a person with monkeypox.
- Hugging, massage, and kissing.
- Prolonged face-to-face contact.
- Touching fabrics and objects that were used by a person with monkeypox and that have not been disinfected, such as bedding, towels, fetish gear, and sex toys.
- A pregnant person can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.
- It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.
Scientists are still researching:
- If the virus can be spread when someone has no symptoms
- How often monkeypox is spread through respiratory secretions, or when a person with monkeypox symptoms might be more likely to spread the virus through respiratory secretions.
- Whether monkeypox can be spread through semen, vaginal fluids, urine, or feces.
How do I protect myself from monkeypox?
It is recommended that you avoid skin to skin contact, make informed and protected decisions about intimacy, practicing good handwashing, and avoid infected surfaces. The CDC has provided information about Safe Sex and lowering your risk of exposure.
Who is eligible for vaccination?
Vaccination is recommended for persons who have been exposed or are at higher risk of being exposed to Monkeypox. Vaccination will be available to individuals who live or work in Massachusetts and meet the CDC’s current eligibility criteria, prioritizing those who are most at risk of exposure to an individual with monkeypox. To learn about the eligibility criteria and how to access the vaccine, visit this link.
What if I am outside of Massachusetts?
The CDC has a US Map and case count here. For information on what your state is doing, please visit the state public health department. If you are outside of the United States, the World Health Organization has global information and we recommend reviewing your country public health agency website.
I want to learn more about Monkeypox.
The Center for Disease Control’s Dr. Demetre Daskalakis explains 5 things to know about monkeypox. Check out the YouTube video below.