Mpox (formerly referred to as Monkey Pox) is actively spreading in our region. While it doesn’t pose an immediate threat to our campus community, we are closely monitoring the situation both in the area and on our campuses. We will update the campus community periodically as needed.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is an infection caused by a virus similar to the now-eradicated smallpox virus. In 2022, the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency since mpox had spread to many countries through social interactions and intimate contacts.
What are Mpox signs and symptoms?
People with mpox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals or anus and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.
The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Other Mpox symptoms
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and backache.
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
If you are symptomatic, develop flu like symptoms, not feel well or develop a rash, contact your health care provider and the NCC Health Center at 610.861.5365 healthcenter@northampton.edu
How long do Mpox symptoms last?
Mpox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.
Mpox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.
What you need to know about Mpox
Mpox is spread by close contact and exposure to an infected person's respiratory droplets, skin lesions or bodily fluids.
While mpox cases spreading globally in 2022 can cause severe disease, the infection most often clears up on its own. Mpox may be most severe in young children, especially if they have poor nutritional status.
Vaccines can prevent mpox. They are currently in short supply and being used to prevent mpox disease in those who have been exposed to the virus.
When it becomes more widely available, the vaccine may be appropriate to protect at-risk populations, such as men who have sex with men, bisexual people, commercial sex workers and others who engage in behaviors that put them at higher risk for encountering the virus that causes mpox.
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