Mpox Information

Mpox Protocol

The Health Center has prepared a protocol in the event that Hamilton experiences a case of mpox on campus. We continue to monitor local conditions and maintain communication with our local health department, and we are ready to support the medical needs of students on campus.

FAQs

Most people with monkeypox will get a rash with or without other symptoms, such as:

Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion
Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
A rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth; Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.
- The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
- The rash can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

Monkeypox symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus.

Mpox can spread through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:

Direct contact with mpox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with mpox
Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox
Contact with respiratory secretions

NYSDOH offers additional guidance on mpox and sexual health.

Infected individuals can spread mpox to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

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

Currently there are two licensed vaccines in the United States to prevent smallpox which are being used against mpox, although they are not readily available to the general public. At this time the CDC only recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to mpox and people who may be more likely to get mpox.

Vaccine supply and eligibility varies based on your location. If you meet local eligibility criteria (e.g., close contacts with someone with suspected or confirmed mpox, multiple partners, anonymous sexual encounters) and live in an area with identified cases of mpox, you can check with your local health department to see if you are eligible for the vaccine at this time. Here is a directory of local U.S. health departments.

Supportive care is the mainstay of therapy. This includes fluids, wound hygiene/care, pain management, and treatment of any secondary infections. Skin lesions should be kept clean and dry. Analgesics should be taken as needed for pain. Oral antihistamines and topical agents such as calamine lotion, over the counter hydrocortisone, and petroleum jelly can help alleviate itching. More severe infections are managed in collaboration with local health departments and may involve trials of medications held in reserve by the CDC.

Contact

Contact Name

Health Center

Office Location

Johnson Center for Health and Wellness: healthcenter@hamilton.edu

Phone

315-859-4111

Fax

315-859-4963

Hours

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Office: 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Phone: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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Office: 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Phone: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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Office: 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Phone: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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Office: 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Phone: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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Office: 8:30 - 11:45 a.m.; 1-4 p.m.
Phone: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; 1 - 4:30 p.m.
(closed from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on the first Thursday)

Mpox Information

Mpox Protocol

FAQs

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Mpox Information

Mpox Protocol

FAQs

What is mpox?

Symptoms (Source: CDC)

How is mpox transmitted?

What to do if you have symptoms

Is there a vaccine to prevent mpox?

What are the available treatment options?

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