Grand Valley State University is closely following the global monkeypox outbreak. Local health departments are tracking cases in West Michigan.
MPV is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. The virus that causes MPV is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. MPV symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Learn more: About Monkeypox | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC
MPV is not as contagious as COVID-19. You must have prolonged, physical contact or shared bedding/clothing/towels with someone who has MPV for it to spread.
According to the CDC,
Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has monkeypox (MPV) is at risk.
According to the CDC, MPV 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.
If you get MPV, you may have fever, chills, sore muscles, headache, or tiredness and then get a rash. More information here: Signs and Symptoms | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC
MPV can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.
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EXPOSED PROTOCOL |
21-DAY MONITORING PERIOD |
WHEN CAN I END THE MONITORING PERIOD |
EXPOSED OR CONFIRMED |
|---|---|---|---|
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If you have been exposed to people or animals with MPV, you should monitor your health and look for signs or symptoms consistent with MPV for a full 21 days after your last exposure. |
If a rash occurs: Follow isolation and prevention practices until (1) the rash can be evaluated by a healthcare provider, (2) testing is performed, if recommended by their healthcare provider, and (3) results of testing are available and are negative. If other signs or symptoms are present, but there is no rash: Follow isolation and prevention practices for 5 days after the development of any new sign or symptom, even if this 5-day period extends beyond the original 21-day monitoring period. If 5 days have passed without the development of any new sign or symptom and a thorough skin and oral examination reveals no new skin changes such as rashes or lesions, isolation and prevention practices for MPV can be stopped. If a new sign or symptom develops at any point during the 21-day monitoring period (including during a 5-day isolation if applicable), then a new 5-day period should begin and you should follow isolation and prevention practices. |
Isolation and prevention practices can be ended prior to 5 days if a healthcare provider or public health authority believes the rash, signs, or symptoms are not due to monkeypox and there is a clear alternative diagnosis made that doesn’t require isolation. The decision on when to end symptom monitoring and home isolation, either during the 21-day monitoring period or any 5-day extension, should be made with input from public health authorities. |
•Wear a well-fitting mask, Until all signs and symptoms of MPVillness have fully resolved •Do not share items that have been worn or handled with other people or animals. Launder or disinfect items that have been worn or handled and surfaces that have been touched by a lesion. •Avoid close physical contact, including sexual and/or close intimate contact, with other people. •Avoid sharing utensils or cups. Items should be cleaned and disinfected before use by others. •Avoid crowds and congregate settings. •Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after direct contact with the rash. |
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POSITIVE FOR SYMPTOMS |
ISOLATION |
I HAVE SYMPTOMS, WHEN CAN I END ISOLATION? |
EXPOSED OR CONFIRMED |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tested Positive for MPV or healthcare Provider or public health authority confirmed MPV |
Isolate for the duration of illness, which typically lasts 2-4 weeks. •Follow CDC Guidance based on setting (Click Here for more details) •Consider vaccination |
Isolation and prevention practices can be ended by a healthcare provider or public health authority |
•Wear a well-fitting mask, Until all signs and symptoms of MPV illness have fully resolved •Do not share items that have been worn or handled with other people or animals. Launder or disinfect items that have been worn or handled and surfaces that have been touched by a lesion. •Avoid close physical contact, including sexual and/or close intimate contact, with other people. •Avoid sharing utensils or cups. Items should be cleaned and disinfected before use by others. •Avoid crowds and congregate settings. •Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after direct contact with the rash. |
CDC estimates that as many as 41 million Americans get sick from the flu each season, resulting in up to 26 million medical visits and 710,000 hospitalizations every year. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Sep 3, 2024
