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Monkeypox (MPX) Education

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox (MPX) is a rare viral illness. Anyone can get MPX, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

MPX has been seen in the United States in infrequent sporadic cases as far back as 2003. Increased cases started to be noted in May of 2022 in the United States and other non-endemic countries. While Monkeypox (MPX) is a rare infection, it is important to know the symptoms of MPX, how to prevent MPX, and what to do if you think you have MPX or have been exposed to MPX.

Health Services

If you have reason to believe that you have been exposed to or may have MPX, immediately contact your primary care doctor or the University of St. Thomas Center for Well-Being at 651-962-6750.

How Do You Get Monkeypox (MPX)?

You can get MPX from close, personal, and skin-to-skin contact with a person who has a rash from MPX.

Contact can include:

  • Intimate contact including touching genitals, and oral, anal, or vaginal sex
  • Hugging or cuddling
  • Contact with spit droplets during close conversation and kissing
  • Contact with objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and utensils that have been used by someone with MPX.

What are the Symptoms of Monkeypox (MPX)?

MPX symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure and last 2-4 weeks. You may initially have:

  • Fever, chills
  • Swollen lymph glands
  • Sore muscles
  • Headache
  • Respiratory symptoms and fatigue
  • A rash that may look like pimples or blisters usually on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of your body like your hands, chest, anus and genitals.
Sometimes, you may get the rash first, followed by other symptoms or you might only get a rash without having any other symptoms.

How long am I contagious?

MPX can be spread to others until the rash heals, scabs fall off and a new layer of skin is formed. The rash may be painful or itchy and goes through stages of healing. This can take 2-4 weeks.

How Can I Prevent Getting Monkeypox (MPX)?

The best way to protect yourself is to:

  • Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash that looks like MPX.
  • If you are sexually active, talk to your partner about any recent illnesses or rashes.
  • If you or your partner have recently been sick, currently have symptoms of MPX, or have a new or unexplained rash, do not kiss, cuddle, hug, touch each other’s genitals, or have oral, vaginal, or anal sex.

If you know that a friend or family member has been diagnosed with MPX:

  • Try to avoid contact with them if possible
  • If you must be within 6 feet of them, you should both wear an N95 respirator or well-fitting masks.
  • Do not share silverware or cups.
  • Do not touch their sheets, blankets, towels, or clothing. If you do touch any of these things, you should wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Is there a Vaccine or Medication available for Monkeypox (MPX)?

There is a vaccine available but the limited supply in Minnesota is restricted for highest-risk patients only. If you think you fit this category, contact your provider or the Center for Well-Being to discuss potential vaccine resources. There is no specific medication approved for MPX and most cases are mild and self-limiting.

What should I do if I think I have Monkeypox (MPX)?

If you have reason to believe that you have been exposed to or may have MPX, immediately contact your primary care doctor or the University of St. Thomas Center for Well-Being at 651-962-6750. Your provider will answer any questions you may have, schedule you for an appointment if appropriate, and contact the Minnesota Department of Health directly to coordinate your care and arrange testing as indicated.

If you are on campus and require isolation due to a MPX diagnosis, this will be managed using the University’s protocols for contagious illnesses.

The University of St. Thomas and the Center for Well-Being will continue to monitor and follow the medical guidance available through the Minnesota Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/pdf/MPOX-info-teens-young-adults.pdf

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/monkeypox/basics.html

https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html

https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/health-medical/current-health-issues/monkeypox