The University Health Center is monitoring the public health declaration of the Monkeypox virus. We are working to monitor the situation and provide relevant information to the Island community.
Symptoms include:
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion
A rash that can look like pimples or blisters on the face, inside the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus
Prevention measures include:
Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that might look like Monkeypox.
Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with anyone who has Monkeypox or a rash that might look like Monkeypox.
Do not share eating utensils or cups with anyone who has Monkeypox or a rash that might look like Monkeypox.
Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of anyone who has Monkeypox or a rash that might look like Monkeypox.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the Monkeypox virus
Monkeypox has similar symptoms to smallpox but milder
Monkeypox is rarely fatal
The West African type of Monkeypox (the type identified in the current outbreak) is rarely fatal.
Over 99% of people are likely to survive.
Those with weakened immune systems, children under 8 years old, people with a history of eczema, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are more likely to have serious illness.
The risk of getting Monkeypox in the US at this time is believed to be low.
Person-to-person direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
Respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion
A rash that can look like pimples or blisters on the face, inside the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that might look like Monkeypox.
Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with anyone who has Monkeypox or a rash that might look like Monkeypox.
Do not share eating utensils or cups with anyone who has Monkeypox or a rash that might look like Monkeypox.
Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of anyone who has Monkeypox or a rash that might look like Monkeypox.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Yes, it is the same vaccine used to treat Smallpox since Monkeypox and Smallpox are genetically similar.
There are 2 vaccines that the US Government has stockpiled: JYNNEOS and ACAM2000
The vaccines are being sent to local health departments and jurisdictions.
Anyone who has been in close contact with a person infected with Monkeypox in the last 2 weeks.
Anyone who has had multiple sexual partners in the last 2 weeks in areas known to have Monkeypox cases.
CDC does not recommend widespread vaccination currently.
Your local health department will determine whether you are a good candidate for the Monkeypox vaccine.
If you feel you have symptoms of Monkeypox, you may call the Health Center at 361-825-2601 or call the local health department at 361-826-7200.
Yes, Monkeypox can spread between animals and people.