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Monkeypox

Monkeypox (hMPXV) is a rare disease caused by infection with a virus similar to, but milder than, smallpox. Most university students are at very low risk of contracting monkeypox; however, we encourage students to be aware of how to protect themselves and others. Although anyone can be infected by the Monkeypox virus, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are disproportionately affected by the current monkeypox outbreak.

The Health Center offers comprehensive medical care for symptoms of Monkeypox including testing. Please call 503.943.7134 to schedule an appointment.

Symptoms

A rash which can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy
Fever
Chills
Swollen lymph nodes
Exhaustion
Muscle aches and backache
Headache
Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

If you have a new or unexplained rash or other symptoms...

Avoid close contact, including skin-to skin-contact with others, and wear a mask.
Call the Student Health Center for an appointment and testing. Please let the person scheduling your appointment know that you would like to be tested for Monkeypox.

How It Spreads

Monkeypox can spread through close, often skin-to-skin contact. This contact can happen during intimate contact including sex. Although Monkeypox can spread through touching fabrics and objects used by a person with Monkeypox, this is very uncommon.

Vaccination

The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox or who may be more likely to get Monkeypox including:

People who have been identified as a contact of someone with monkeypox
People who are aware that a sexual partner in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox
People who have had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks in an area with known monkeypox
Specific laboratory and healthcare workers

If you think you may benefit from vaccination, please call Multnomah County at 503.988.8939.