Ursinus College is closely monitoring the current global outbreak of monkeypox. While monkeypox has an extremely low mortality rate, it is transmissible, and cases are rising in Pennsylvania. Individuals in congregate living situations should stay informed about symptoms, precautions and prevention.
Students who test positive for monkeypox should isolate and immediately notify the Wellness Center at 610-409-3100. After hours, students can access the counselor on-call by calling Campus Safety 610-409-3333. Students with monkeypox should also notify the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258.
Employees who have monkeypox should isolate and contact their health care provider and the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258.
Please watch this page for updates regarding Ursinus’s response to monkeypox.
Frequently Asked Questions about Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a virus in the same family as the variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Its symptoms are similar to smallpox, but monkeypox is less severe and rarely fatal. More information is available from the CDC.
Signs or symptoms consistent with monkeypox can include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, muscles aches/backache, swollen nodes and a rash that may be painful or itchy. Within one to three days after the appearance of fever, a rash will develop, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash will eventually dry up and fall off. Symptoms typically last two to four weeks.
It usually takes seven to 14 days from the time of infection for a person to start feeling symptoms of the disease, but the incubation period can also range from five to 21 days.
Monkeypox has a very low mortality rate for most people, according to the CDC. Infections with the type of monkeypox virus identified in the current global outbreak — the West African type — are rarely fatal. Although symptoms can be painful and permanent scarring may result from the rash, over 99% of people who get this form of the disease are likely to survive. People with weakened immune systems, children under 8 years of age, people with a history of eczema, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be more likely to get seriously ill or die.
Monkeypox is diagnosed using a blood test or a sample taken from infected lesions. These tests are performed at local hospitals.
Anyone who would like to seek vaccination should call 1-877-PA-HEALTH for the most current information on availability and vaccination sites.
If you are at risk for monkeypox, you may be eligible to receive a vaccine post-exposure. Call 1-877-PA-HEALTH for more information.
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 engage in sexual activity with someone who has monkeypox.
Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
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, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.
The CDC’s suggestions for safer sex and social gathering practices may be found here.
Students who test positive for monkeypox should isolate and immediately notify the Wellness Center at 610-409-3100. After hours, students can access the counselor on-call by calling Campus Safety 610-409-3333. Students with monkeypox should also notify the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258.
Employees who have monkeypox should isolate and contact their health care provider and the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258.