Mpox (Monkeypox)

Mpox (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 Mpox; however, we encourage students to be aware of how to protect themselves and others. Although anyone can be infected by the Mpox virus, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are disproportionately affected by the recent Mpox outbreak.

The Student Health Center offers comprehensive medical care for symptoms of Mpox 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...

1. Avoid close contact, including skin-to skin-contact with others, and wear a mask.
2. 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

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

Vaccination

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

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

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

Resources

• Safer sex, social gatherings, and Monkeypox - Information provided by the CDC
• Monkeypox Signs, Symptoms, and other topics - Information provided by the CDC
• Monkeypox: What You Need to Know - Information provided by the Human Rights Campaign
• Mpox (monkeypox) - Information provided by the World Health Organization