Information about monkeypox virus for the Miami community
There are currently no known cases on campus
As you have likely seen in the news, last week the U.S. declared monkeypox a public health emergency. There are currently 9,492 monkeypox cases in the U.S. and 73 in Ohio. There are currently no known cases on campus. We’re writing to you today to share some information about the virus and what Miami is doing to prepare.
Monkeypox can spread through several pathways, including intimate contact (kissing, cuddling, and sex); direct contact with infectious rashes, scabs, or body fluids; and touching items (linens and clothing) previously touched by a person with monkeypox. While those currently at highest risk for the virus are men who have sex with men, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race, or religion, is at-risk of getting monkeypox if exposed to the virus.
People with the monkeypox virus may or may not present with flu-like symptoms; however, the primary characteristic of this virus is a rash. This rash may appear like pimples or blisters on the skin and may appear all over the body in places such as the genitals, anus, face, chest, hands, feet, or mouth. We encourage those who believe they have symptoms to contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible. Vaccination is recommended for anyone who has had a known exposure to the monkeypox virus. Research suggests that vaccination from the smallpox virus may prevent a monkeypox infection. To learn more about monkeypox, please visit the CDC’s website.
While there are currently no cases on campus, we wanted to inform you that we are taking the virus seriously and preparing for possible cases of monkeypox on campus. We have had planning meetings with the health department and our TriHealth partners and will work closely with them in the unfortunate event that someone on campus tests positive for monkeypox. We will notify the Miami Community should that occur.
As we encounter and seek to understand another complex disease, we are also provided with an opportunity to look out for one another and promote our shared values of wellness, safety, and kindness.
Steve Large, Psy.D.
Assistant Vice President for Health and Wellness