Mpox (formerly Monkeypox) Information and Resources

Last updated: 16 August 2023

Aurora University is focused on education and prevention, as well as preparedness should a case be reported.

We are currently unable to test or treat mpox at Aurora University Health Services. Should you have any questions about mpox or if you are concerned about possible symptoms or exposure, please contact Health Services for guidance rather than visiting in person. Health Services (630-844-5434, shs@aurora.edu) can be reached Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Below are frequently asked questions about mpox.

What is mpox?

Mpox is a public health issue that is relevant to all members of the campus community — students, faculty, staff, and administrators. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Over 99% of people who get this form of the disease are likely to survive. However, people with severely weakened immune systems, children under 1 year of age, people with a history of eczema, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be more likely to get seriously ill or die.”

Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus.

• Mpox is spread through:
  • direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids.
  • respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex.
  • being scratched or bitten by an infected animal.

According to the CDC, there is a low risk of getting mpox from touching objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox and not disinfected, such as clothing, bedding, and towels.

• Mpox can be acquired by all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
• Mpox causes a rash.
• Mpox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks. Some people may be able to spread mpox to others one to four days before their symptoms appear.

What are the symptoms of mpox?

Mpox symptoms usually appear 3–17 days of a person becoming infected. Most people with mpox will develop a rash. According to the CDC, 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. Prior to healing, the rash will go through several stages, including scabs. Initially, the rash may look like pimples or blisters, and it may be painful or itchy.

Other symptoms of mpox can include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches and backache, headache, and respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough). People infected with the virus may experience all or only a few symptoms.

It is important to note that you may experience all or only a few symptoms.

• Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.
• Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.
• Others only experience a rash.

How long do mpox symptoms last?

According to the CDC, mpox symptoms usually start within three 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 steps can I take to help prevent getting mpox?

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
  • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
  • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with mpox.
• Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with mpox has used.
  • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.
  • Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox.
• Practice good hygiene.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Do not share eating utensils or cups.
  • Avoid sharing clothing, linens, pillows, or towels.
  • Avoid sharing makeup, soaps, razors, or other hygiene products.
  • Launder clothing and linen weekly.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces routinely.
• Get vaccinated.

What should I do if I have a new or unexplained rash, fever, swollen glands, and/or other symptoms?

• If you think you have mpox or have had close personal contact with someone who has mpox, you should visit a healthcare provider to determine if you need to be tested for mpox. Click here to see a list of urgent/immediate care centers within 30 minutes from Aurora University.
• Remind the healthcare provider that mpox is present in the United States.
• Avoid close contact (including intimate physical contact) with others until you see a healthcare provider.
• Avoid close contact with pets or other animals until you see a healthcare provider.
• If you’re waiting for test results, follow the same precautions.

What should I do if I test positive for mpox?

• If your test result is positive, stay isolated and observe other prevention practices until your rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
• Remain isolated if you have a fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough. Only go out to see a healthcare provider or for an emergency. Avoid public transportation.
• If you must leave isolation, cover the rash and wear a well-fitting mask.
• Visit the CDC for additional guidance.
• Residential students who test positive are expected to isolate at home. Isolation plans for resident students who are unable to return home due to travel restrictions will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
• Students who test positive for mpox, and must isolate for the duration of an anticipated 2–4 weeks, may want to consider contacting Allison Brady, Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator (abrady@aurora.edu, 630-844-4578) to explore the possibility of a medical leave for the semester.

Is there a vaccine for mpox?

Yes, there is a vaccine for mpox. For additional information regarding vaccine eligibility, please click here.

Is mpox a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

Mpox can more accurately be described as “sexually transmissible.” In other words, sex is just one of the ways that mpox can be spread. According to the CDC, “In the current mpox outbreak, the virus is spreading primarily through sexual contact; however, infections have occurred through other exposures, including non-sexual contact with infectious lesions and from contaminated instruments in clinic settings.”

Please remember that mpox can be transmitted to anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

Information is provided in accordance with the CDC.