Monkeypox (MPV)

Monkeypox (MPV) is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is related to variola viruses, such as smallpox. It is not related to chickenpox. MPV symptoms are similar to smallpox although milder, and the disease is rarely fatal. Monkeypox may be renamed by public health officials, as the term is inaccurate, racist and stigmatizing. Therefore, OHIO will refer to the virus as MPV in its communications.

MPV is contracted through close contact with respiratory secretions and surfaces but is most commonly contracted through close and extended skin to skin contact with an infected person. Activities which can spread MPV are:

• Direct contact with a MPV rash, scab or bodily fluids from an infected individual. 
• Intimate contact such as kissing, cuddling, or sexual contact with an infected person. 
• Direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person 
• Prolonged face to face contact 
• Touching clothing, bedding, towels or surfaces used by someone with MPV. 
• Contact with respiratory secretions from an infected person. 

Many of the MPV symptoms are similar to the flu or COVID, such as fever, chills, general malaise, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and respiratory symptoms (sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough). The hallmark symptom is a rash located on or near the genitals, anus, hands, feet, chest, face or mouth. Some people start with flu-like symptoms, while others first experience the rash. The rash can be quite painful and can cause scarring. Photographs of MPV rash can be found here. Symptoms typically occur about three weeks after exposure and if a person starts with flu-like symptoms, a rash develops 1-4 days later. Illness lasts two to four weeks and people are contagious until rashes completely heal, scabs are gone, and new skin has formed.

MPV virus is less contagious than COVID. It is primarily caused through extensive skin to skin contact. For this reason, approximately 90% of cases are associated with sexual contact with an infected individual. While it is possible to contract MPV from surfaces or respiratory droplets, or less extensive exposure, it is currently rare. CDC indicates that the risk of MPV in the general population is low. It is important to note that although cases are currently high among men who have sex with men, it is not exclusive to that population and is not exclusively transmitted via sexual contact.

To protect yourself from MPV, you should avoid direct contact with persons who have MPV, including avoiding: 

• Skin-to-skin contact 
• Touching rashes or scabs 
• Kissing, embracing, cuddling 
• Contact with objects, materials, bedding, towels, utensils, dishes that have been used by someone with MPV 

 Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating, touching your face, and after you use the bathroom. 

Having multiple, and frequent sexual contacts can increase risk of MPV. There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk during sexual encounters as outlined by the CDC here. Some risk reduction methods include vaccination, use of condoms, wearing gloves and wearing clothing during sex.

If you believe that you were exposed to MPV, contact urgent care and complete an incident report. Students on the Athens campus should call Campus Care at 740.592.7100; regional and extension campus students, faculty and staff should contact their preferred urgent care provider. If you are experiencing symptoms, please complete an incident report at www.ohio.edu/reportexposure. You will be provided with guidance on next steps and connected to support resources. We will treat the personal details of your diagnosis confidentially and share information only with the Athens City-County Health Department, Ohio University’s Office of Housing and Residence Life in the event you must be moved into isolation housing, and as otherwise required by law.

If you believe you have symptoms of MPV, contact urgent care. Students on the Athens campus should call Campus Care at 740.592.7100; regional and extension campus students, faculty and staff should contact their preferred urgent care provider. When you go to see a provider, you must cover your rash and wear a mask. If your provider believes a test is warranted, you will be asked to isolate while awaiting results. You may not participate in campus activity until cleared by your provider and the health department. If you are experiencing symptoms, please complete an incident report at www.ohio.edu/reportexposure and you will be provided guidance on next steps. 

If you are diagnosed with MPV, you will receive instructions from your health care provider and the local health department about your care. You will receive an order to isolate from the health department. You may not participate in campus activity until cleared by your provider and the health department. If you are experiencing symptoms, please complete an incident report at www.ohio.edu/reportexposure. You will be provided guidance on next steps and connected to support resources. 

Testing is performed on people who meet the clinical criteria for testing, which includes MPV symptoms or exposure as directed by a health care provider and the health department. Testing is available at Campus Care (740.592.7100) and area urgent cares. When you go to see a provider, you must cover your rash and wear a mask.

Currently, MPV vaccine is only available for those who were exposed to a confirmed case of MPV. If you were exposed, complete an incident report and we will direct you to vaccine services. Vaccines are available at the Athens City County Health Department for the Athens community (740.592.4431, ask for Crystal Jones). Outside of Athens, please contact your local health department. 

More information can be found on the state's dashboard.