The University’s Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) and Human Resources are monitoring the monkeypox outbreak and developing guidance for the University community in coordination with our local public health agency representatives. Information will be updated as the outbreak evolves, and as additional University-specific guidance is published.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Washington State Department of Health, and local health departments are tracking an outbreak of monkeypox in the United States. Locally, infections have been reported in Washington State and within Spokane County. Washington State Department of Health is publishing case counts by county, updated daily, Monday through Friday.
On July 23, the World Health Organization declared that the current global monkeypox outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern. Additional international coordination and response measures are being implemented to help limit the spread.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal.
How can monkeypox spread?
Monkeypox is usually spread from one person to another through close contact (often skin-to skin). While monkeypox can be transmitted during sexual activity it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Routes of transmission include:
- Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
- Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
- Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
- Contact with respiratory secretions.
- This direct contact can happen during intimate contact, including:
- Sexual intercourse, hugging, massage, and kissing.
- Prolonged face-to-face contact.
- A pregnant person can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.
- It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.
Scientists are still researching:
- If the virus can be spread when someone has no symptoms.
- How often monkeypox is spread through respiratory secretions, or when a person with monkeypox symptoms might be more likely to spread the virus through respiratory secretions.
- Whether monkeypox can be spread through semen, vaginal fluids, urine, or feces.
What are symptoms of monkeypox?
The illness can begin with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, back and muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and general exhaustion, followed by a rash (usually painful) that can look like pimples or blisters.
- Symptoms usually start within two weeks of exposure to the virus but can start up to three weeks later.
- Within 1-3 days of symptoms beginning, people usually develop a rash or sores.
- The sores might be located on or near the genitals or anus, but sometimes occur in other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or in the mouth. Sores often go through several stages before healing, which takes about three weeks.
- An individual isn’t considered contagious until symptoms appear; they remain contagious until all sores have healed, a new layer of skin is formed, and scabs have fallen off.
What to do if you experience symptoms?
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop a new, unexplained rash or lesions on any part of the body or if you think you have been exposed. They can help get you access to the appropriate testing, if needed.
- Avoid sex or other close, intimate contact with others until you have been evaluated.
- Avoid gatherings, especially if they involve close, personal, skin-to-skin contact or prolonged face-to-face contact.
- Talk to your partner(s) about any recent illness and be aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner’s body, including rashes on the genitals and anus.
What to do if your healthcare provider suspects or confirms you have monkeypox infection?
Isolate at home until the rash has fully resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed. This is when you are no longer contagious to others. Follow the CDC monkeypox isolation guidelines. In addition, follow any additional guidelines provided by your healthcare provider.
How can you reduce your risk and prevent spread?
Here are some things to consider to decrease your risk:
- 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 or symptoms of monkeypox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox or symptoms of 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 or symptoms of monkeypox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox or symptoms of 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.
Gonzaga community members are encouraged to learn more about how to protect yourself and others.
Is there a monkeypox vaccine?
When properly administered before or after a recent exposure, vaccines can be effective tools at protecting people against monkeypox illness and can make it less severe after exposure. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about getting vaccinated against monkeypox.
Supplies of the monkeypox vaccine are currently limited, both locally and nationally. Many health jurisdictions are prioritizing vaccination to those who are at high risk for infection.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced an enhanced strategy to vaccinate and protect at-risk individuals from monkeypox.
Spokane County has a very limited supply of monkeypox vaccine. Supplies are expected to increase later this summer and this fall.
When should I notify the University of suspected/confirmed monkeypox?
While most individuals will not need to notify the University if they have monkeypox, the following exceptions may apply:
- Students in University Residence Halls: If a healthcare provider suspects or confirms a monkeypox infection, please follow their guidance for isolation and contact tracing. Contact Health & Counseling Services at (509) 313-4052 for further instruction.
- If departments or employees have questions or concerns about potential exposure to monkeypox at a University setting, please contact Environmental Health & Safety at huntk2@gonzaga.edu.
- Employees with questions about leave needed while they are isolating can email leaves.accommodations@gonzaga.edu.
More information
Visit the Washington State Department of Health or Spokane Regional Health District Monkeypox websites or the CDC U.S. 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak Cases & Data webpage for more information.
As this is a newer outbreak, public health entities nationally and internationally are still learning about the behaviors that may put people at increased risk and we will continue to share information with the community as we learn more.
Decreasing risk of stigma
Gonzaga University is committed to informing the GU community about health issues that may affect them. We recognize that there is risk for stigma or discrimination when communicating about a new disease outbreak. We all have a responsibility to call out any stigmatizing words or actions related to monkeypox virus and instead, share factual information so that people can make the best decisions for their health and the health of our community.