Monkeypox

Monkeypox Update
As of September 11, 2022

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health continues investigating and conducting contact tracing for the Monkeypox virus. For any close contact, Public Health will monitor and coordinate post-exposure prevention for close contacts as needed. The risk of monkeypox in the general population remains very low based on the information available. Cases seem to be declining globally, nationally, and locally. Public health officials are “cautiously optimistic” that this trend will continue and that it reflects a successful combination of vaccinating those at the highest risk of disease, getting accurate information disseminated within communities as well as people making changes to their sexual practices and behaviors.

If you have any concerns regarding illness or exposure to Monkeypox, please contact Student Health Services at 909-621-8222.

Monkeypox FAQs

What is Monkeypox (MPX)?

• MPX is a disease caused by a virus similar to smallpox, but symptoms from MPX are usually milder than those of smallpox.
• Infections with the type of MPX in this outbreak are rarely fatal, as 99% of persons are likely to survive, but symptoms can be painful.

How is MPX spread?

MPX can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-skin contact including:

• Direct contact with MPX rash, scabs, or bodily fluids from a person with MPX.
• Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with MPX.
• Contact with respiratory secretions.
• A person infected with MPX is usually considered infectious from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

What are the symptoms of MPX?

MPX symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus.

• Flu-like symptoms may occur initially and could include fever, headache, muscle aches and backaches, sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion.
• The characteristic rash will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later, but a rash may develop with mild or no preceding symptoms.
• The rash may be located on or near the genitals or anus but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, or face.
• The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
• The rash can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
• The rash may also be inside the body, including the mouth, vagina, or anus.

What should I do if I have symptoms of MPX?

• Students should contact Student Health Service at (909) 621-8222
• Employees should contact their medical provider.
• As best as possible, until instructed otherwise by a medical professional, isolate yourself from others. If you must be around others, cover any skin lesions. you may have and wear a well fitting mask if you have any respiratory symptoms.

What steps can I take to prevent getting MPX?

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like MPX.
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with MPX.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with MPX.
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with MPX.
• Do not handle or touch bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with MPX.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• If you are traveling to Central or West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread MPX virus, usually rodents and primates. Also, avoid sick or dead animals, as well as bedding or other materials they have touched.

How can I get vaccinated against MPX?

• Vaccine supplies to prevent monkeypox remain limited currently. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has established priority criteria to administer first dose of vaccine to as many people who are at higher risk for monkeypox exposure as possible. When supply improves, they will make second doses available.
• Visit LA County Department of Public Health Monkeypox website for the latest eligibility criteria and vaccine availability.
• Vaccines are not currently available for administration to private clinics such as Student Health Services.

Where can I get more information about MPX? 

LA County DPH Monkeypox Webpage

CDC Monkeypox Information