Mpox Information and Resources for Students
What is MPox? | Symptoms | Transmission | Who is at Risk? | Evaluation and Testing | Vaccination
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Mpox, symptoms consistent with Mpox, or believe you may have had close contact with someone diagnosed with Mpox, please use the 鈥淩equest an Appointment鈥� button on the Health Services Portal to request to speak with a member of the Health Services team. Alternatively, you can call us at 518-580-5550.
For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the following resources:
What is Mpox?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mpox is a rare
viral infection caused by the Mpox virus, which is in the same family as the virus
that causes smallpox. The symptoms are usually mild.
Symptoms
Mpox symptoms typically appear 6-13 days after exposure, though they can take up to
21 days to appear. Most people will develop a rash or sores, which may appear on the
hands, feet, chest, face, genital area, or inside the body (including the mouth, vagina,
or anus). The rash can look like pimples or blisters and progresses through several
stages, including scabbing before healing. ().
Additional symptoms of Mpox may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, cough)
These symptoms may occur before or after the rash develops, or in some cases, not at all. If flu-like symptoms occur, the rash typically appears 1-4 days later.
While the illness is generally mild, the sores can be painful or itchy. Some groups, including children under 8 years old, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems, may be at increased risk for more severe symptoms.
Transmission
Mpox spreads through close personal contact, often skin-to-skin, including:
- Direct contact with the Mpox rash or scabs
- Prolonged face-to-face contact or intimate physical contact, which may involve respiratory secretions (Note: Mpox does not linger in the air and is not spread through brief shared airspace)
Infected individuals can transmit Mpox from the onset of symptoms until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness usually lasts 2-4 weeks.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can get Mpox, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. While it
has mainly spread through sexual contact in the United States, Mpox is not classified
as a sexually transmitted infection. Sexual contact is only one of the many ways the
virus can spread.
Evaluation and Testing
Health Services is working with the Saratoga County Department of Health to evaluate,
isolate, and treat students with symptoms of Mpox and/or known exposure. Students
will be assessed in person by a clinician. Anyone with skin lesions consistent with
Mpox will be tested and placed in isolation while awaiting test results, which typically
take 3-5 days.
Vaccination
Individuals who are at risk for Mpox are eligible for the JYNNEOS vaccine.
For detailed criteria on who is at risk and how to receive vaccination, please refer to the New York State Department of Health website and CDC guidelines.