Monkeypox (Mpox)

What is mpox?

Mpox is a disease caused by infection with the mpox virus and is in the same virus family as smallpox. While mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, it is a much milder disease and is rarely fatal. Symptoms include:

• Rash that looks like pimples or blisters
• With or without fever, chills, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes

How can I protect myself from mpox?

Avoid skin-on-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to mpox and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to mpox. 

The approved vaccine, JYNNEOS, provides the best protection from mpox for those who are at greater risk. North Carolina has expanded the vaccine eligibility criteria to include:

• Anyone who had close contact in the past two weeks with someone who has been diagnosed with mpox; or
• Gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals, who are sexually active; or
• People who have had sexual contact with gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals in the past 90 days; or
• People living with HIV, or taking medication to prevent HIV (PrEP), or who were diagnosed with syphilis in the past 90 days.
• People who have had any of the following in the past six months:
  • Sex at a commercial sex venue
  • Sex in association with a large public event
• Sexual partners of people with the above risks.
• People who anticipate experiencing the above risks.

If students or employees believe they are eligible for the vaccine they can call Campus Health at 919-515-2563 and request a “JYNNEOS vaccine appointment.” If students believe they have been exposed and are ill, they can make an appointment at Campus Health online or call 919-515-2563.

More information about risk factors and vaccine availability in Wake County can be found here.

What should I do if I think I have been exposed to mpox?

It is important to seek testing and treatment quickly if you are exhibiting a new, unexplained rash along with other mpox symptoms and/or have had close contact with someone who recently tested positive for mpox. Please make an appointment with your health care provider or Campus Health.

Do I have to quarantine if I have been exposed to mpox?

No, at this time people who have been exposed to mpox are not required to quarantine. However, people who are exposed should self-monitor for symptoms for 21 days from their last exposure to someone with symptoms or unhealed lesions and check their temperature twice a day. 

If they develop any symptoms of mpox, they should immediately self-isolate and contact Campus Health at 919-515-2563. Contacts who remain asymptomatic are permitted to continue routine daily activities (e.g., go to work, school), as long as their typical activities allow them to self-isolate if symptoms develop. Contacts should not donate blood, cells, tissue, breast milk, semen, or organs while they are under symptom surveillance.