Mpox

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral infection that can cause a painful or uncomfortable rash with sores, often accompanied by flu-like illness. A global outbreak of mpox began in May 2022. With the rollout of vaccines and treatment, cases have decreased in the U.S. and Europe, with a continued low number of cases across the United States. 

Another mpox outbreak has been detected in circulation since 2023 primarily in central and eastern Africa with a different, more virulent mpox strain (clade 1). In August 2024, the World Health Organization declared this outbreak a global public health emergency. No cases of clade 1 have been reported in the U.S. to date. The CDC continues to monitor the situation, and the U.S. government is supporting the global public health response to control the outbreak.

Mpox spreads through close contact (e.g., direct physical contact with the infectious rash, including during intimate contact; body fluids; or contaminated surfaces and materials such as furniture, clothing or bedding). Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can get mpox. Data suggests that, to date, it has primarily spread among social networks of gay and bisexual men through intimate contact.

The risk of contracting this infection is low for those who have been in casual, rather than close, contact with an infected individual (e.g., being in the same room is not considered high risk exposure).

Symptoms of mpox can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.

If you develop symptoms consistent with mpox, please contact the Student Health Center at 202-687-2200, if a student, or your primary care provider, if a faculty or staff member, and email Georgetown’s Public Health team at publichealth@georgetown.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Take these steps to protect yourself from mpox:

• Get vaccinated.
  • Eligible DC residents can schedule an appointment to get vaccinated at the DC Health and Wellness Center or Whitman-Walker Health.
  • The CDC website has an Mpox Vaccine Locator to help find an mpox vaccine site near you. 
• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact (e.g., kissing, hugging, sex) with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
• Don’t share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.
• Don’t handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox.
• Wash your hands often.

If you have been exposed to someone with mpox:

• Monitor for symptoms for 21 days from the date of your last exposure.
• Get vaccinated as soon as possible (ideally within 4 days of exposure).
• If you develop symptoms, contact the Student Health Center at 202-687-2200, if a student, or your health care provider.

How is mpox transmitted?

Mpox is transmitted through direct contact with infectious material, primarily through close physical contact with someone who has symptoms through direct skin to skin contact with rash, bodily fluid, pus, or blood from skin lesions. 

According to the CDC, it can also be transmitted via respiratory secretion during prolonged, face-to-face contact (e.g., kissing). It can also spread via touching items, such as clothing or linens, that previously were in contact with the infectious rash or body fluids. Individuals can also get mpox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by an infected animal.

Pregnant women can transmit the virus to the fetus through the placenta. 

Mpox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

What are the symptoms of mpox? 

Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes followed by a skin rash.  However, a rash can appear without being preceded by flu-like symptoms. The skin lesions can be flat or slightly raised, can be filled with clear or yellowish fluid, and can then crust, dry up and fall off.  

Who can get mpox?

Anyone can get it, including women and children. Harassment and/or stigmatization related to a suspected or known case of mpox are unacceptable. 

Please be mindful that there are chronic skin and genetic conditions (such as acne) that may resemble mpox lesions. Please do not assume that a person with a rash is infected with  mpox. If you encounter any harassment or discrimination related to mpox please report to IDEAA.

What should I do if I think I have symptoms consistent with mpox?

If you think you have symptoms suggestive of mpox please isolate yourself immediately. Wear an N95 mask and cover your rash with clothing or other materials (e.g., bandages) if you must come in contact with anyone.

If any of these symptoms are present, and you are a student, reach out to the Student Health Center (202-687-2200) right away.

If you are a faculty or staff or member, please reach out to your primary care physician.

You may reach out to the Public Health team for advice at publichealth@georgetown.edu.

Does Georgetown provide, or will it provide, the mpox vaccine to eligible students or staff? 

At this time, DC Health and sites that they designate for vaccine distribution are able to administer the mpox vaccine. The Student Health Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital can assist community members with questions about eligibility and accessing vaccines.

Who is eligible to receive the mpox vaccine?

At this time, the following individuals are eligible to receive the vaccine from the DC Department of Health:  District residents, individuals who work in the District, students enrolled at District universities/colleges, and persons affiliated with DC Health Programs that receive health care services in DC, and 18 years of age or older, who meet one of the following criteria:

• All people, of any sexual orientation or gender, who have had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks, including those currently considered highest risk: gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, transgender men, and transgender women; or
• Men who have sex with men who are non-monogamous (pre-exposure prophylaxis); or
• Sex workers (of any sexual orientation or gender); or 
• Staff (of any sexual orientation or gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs (e.g., bathhouses, saunas, sex clubs); or
• People of any sexual orientation or gender who are living with HIV/AIDS or have been diagnosed with any sexually transmitted infection in the past three months.

To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit the DC Health website.

The DC government currently offers the JYNNEOS vaccine, which is given, generally, in two doses 28 days apart. New dosing schedules are currently being launched based on new evidence.

For more information about vaccine availability in the local region, please visit the Arlington County website and Montgomery County website.

Is there a test for mpox? Where will I get tested?

An infection caused by the mpox virus should be confirmed via a PCR test. A clinician will swab your lesion(s) and send it to a lab for processing. If you are a student, you can get tested at the Student Health Center. If you are a faculty or staff member, please inquire about testing with your primary care physician. 

What happens if I am diagnosed with mpox and live on campus?

If you are diagnosed with mpox you will have to go into isolation, which can last approximately two to four weeks. The DC Department of Health requires that suspected and confirmed cases of mpox be reported. The Student Health Center can provide medical care and guidance for students. Georgetown’s Public Health team can provide guidance and support with symptom monitoring, when to end isolation, and other issues related to isolation. 

If you are diagnosed with mpox outside of Georgetown, we request that you let the Public Health team know via email at publichealth@georgetown.edu. We can help you navigate protocols related to academic and employment issues.

Does Georgetown conduct contact tracing for mpox?

Contact tracing for mpox (the process of determining who you came in contact with, when, where, and the extent and nature of that close contact) is carried out by the DC Department of Health. Georgetown’s Public Health team may inquire about places you have visited on campus (e.g., gym, work, library, classes) during your infectious period, but will generally not inquire about any other activities or close contacts.

What happens if my roommate is diagnosed with mpox?

If your roommate has informed you of their known or suspected infection, please reach out to the Public Health team for guidance and assistance with symptom monitoring, vaccination, and cleaning.