Monkey Pox

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside Student Health and Counseling Center along with campus administrators are committed to creating and implementing plans to keep the university safe and healthy during the world’s health crises. These plans include detailed instructions from the Kenosha Department of Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other agencies providing guidelines on how to keep campus communities safe. As we enter the 2022-2023 school year, the student health and counseling center (SHCC) is monitoring the recent rise in Monkeypox cases which prompted the World Health Organization to issue a global health emergency statement. 

Symptoms and Transmission
Monkeypox is a disease that causes fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and a rash. Transmission of Monkeypox is spread through several pathways including direct contact with infectious rashes, scabs or body fluids including respiratory secretions, touching items such as clothing or linens previously exposed to infectious rashes or body fluids, and intimate contact (sex, cuddling & kissing). Monkeypox can be acquired by all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

How Can I Reduce the Risk of Contracting MonkeyPox? 
We can take the following 3 steps to prevent getting Monkeypox:

• 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 have sex with someone with 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.
  • 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.

What Happens If I Test Positive?
Persons infected with Monkeypox should be isolated until all skin lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed. The length of isolation will vary from patient to patient and may last 21 days (about 3 weeks) or more.

People infected with the virus often have a mild disease that does not require treatment. There are no Monkeypox-specific treatments, but antivirals, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill.

If a member of the Parkside community who lives off-campus tests positive for Monkeypox, they should isolate in their home. If you live on campus, SHCC will work with you the housing and residence life staff to manage your isolation.

Vaccine
If you are at an increased risk of contracting Monkeypox, the JYNNEOS vaccine (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex) & ACAM200 is available for the following people:

Known close contacts who are identified by public health, and

People with certain risk factors who are more likely to have been recently exposed to Monkeypox, even if they have not had documented exposure to someone with confirmed Monkeypox.

JYNNEOS is the vaccine most commonly used for preventing Monkeypox infection in the United States. The JYNNEOS vaccine is a two-dose vaccine series. The two doses are administered four weeks apart for maximum effectiveness. Someone who receives the JYNNEOS vaccine is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their second dose. The JYNNEOS vaccine does not cause smallpox, Monkeypox, or any other disease. Even after getting vaccinated, it is important to continue to take steps to protect yourself from getting sick with Monkeypox. Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact, including intimate contact, with someone who has Monkeypox.

Please be aware that there is currently a limited supply of JYNNEOS. Vaccination is prioritized for individuals at the highest risk of exposure to Monkeypox.

UW-Parkside Monkeypox Update
This is an evolving situation that the Student Health & Counseling Center and UW Parkside administrators are continuing to monitor closely. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is also building capacity for testing, symptomatic treatment, and vaccinations (limited availability). 

For Parkside students seeking evaluation for suspected exposure to Monkeypox or infection, please contact (262) 595-2366 for triage and instruction.

For more information on the Monkeypox vaccine please visit the CDC’s Monkeypox website.