Monkeypox Information

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection, with the first case recorded in 1970; the virus has recently been making news headlines in the United States. Symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, swollen lymph glands, and a rash that forms pus-filled blisters. 

Monkeypox mostly spreads through close contact between people. With an increase in cases in the United States over the past several months, Knox College is closely monitoring local and national trends in order to develop policies and protocols to keep our community safe. Unlike COVID 19 and the flu, monkeypox does not spread quickly through aerial droplets.

Prevention and Risk Reduction

• We can minimize the risk for exposure to monkeypox by:
• Discussing rash or other symptoms of monkeypox with sexual partners.
• Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or other monkeypox symptoms and those diagnosed with monkeypox.
• Not sharing bedding, towels, clothing, utensils, or cups with a person with monkeypox.
• Washing hands, masking, and disinfecting surfaces in shared spaces with a known case, particularly after caring for skin lesions.

Testing

If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you can contact a healthcare provider for further examination and testing.

If you test positive for monkeypox, please contact Health Services at health@knox.edu and follow the Center for Disease Control’s Isolation protocols. 

For further information about monkeypox, please visit the Centers for Disease Control website.