Student Health

Monkeypox Information

Visit the CDC website for the most up-to-date case numbers. CDC map and case count.

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with a virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.

What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

Symptoms may include rash (may look like pimples or blisters), fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion. Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later. Most people recover in two to four weeks without treatment.

How is monkeypox spread?

The virus can be commonly spread from:

• having skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
• contact with anything that has been contaminated with the fluids or sore of an infected person, like shared clothing or bedding
• prolonged exposure to an infected person’s respiratory droplets

Monkeypox may be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

How to prevent monkeypox?

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has monkeypox or who has a rash that looks like monkeypox
• Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer

What if you think you may have monkeypox?

• Contact your healthcare provider immediately. Students may call the UW-Oshkosh Student Health Center at (920) 424-2424.
• You will need to isolate while you are having symptoms and until the rash has fully healed. If you need to leave isolation, wear a mask, and cover any skin that has a rash or skin lesion.
• Continue to practice good hand hygiene (wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer).
• Clean and disinfect the area where you are isolating. Further information may be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.