Monkeypox

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Vaccination Against Monkeypox

Eligibility

For information regarding vaccine eligibility in Mississippi, visit Vaccination Against Monkeypox. 

If you meet the eligibility criteria and would like to schedule an appointment with us for your vaccine, please call 601.266.5390. 

Need to Know about Monkeypox

Monkey pox is a viral illness that can cause flu-like symptoms and a rash. The virus is spread mostly through close, personal, and often skin-to-skin contact with a person who has monkeypox. Common forms of transmission include direct contact with lesions, body fluids of an infected person, or exposure to the respiratory secretions of an affected person during prolonged face-to-face contact. Transmission may also occur by touching items (i.e. clothing, linens, etc.) that came in contact with the infectious rash or body fluids.

Monkeypox is spread when a person is symptomatic. A person is contagious from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a new, fresh layer of skin has formed in the area. This typically takes between 2 and 4 weeks. No symptoms = no transmission. Symptoms = potential transmission.

National and State Case Tracking: 2022 U.S. Monkeypox Outbreak

Prevention

• • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
  • Avoid contact with the rash or scabs of a person known to have monkeypox, including kissing, hugging, cuddling with, or having sex with the person. 
  • Avoid sharing dinnerware (utensils, cups), lip balms, cigarettes, or any other item that may come in contact with body secretions of a person who has monkeypox.
  • Explore vaccine eligibility in your area.
    • FDA Authorizes Emergency Use of JYNNEOS Vaccine
    • Monkeypox Vaccine
    • MSDH Monkeypox - Vaccine Information

Symptoms

• • Fever and chills
  • Headache, muscle aches, and backache
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Exhaustion/fatigue
  • Rash (may look like blisters or pimples, usually follows the other symptoms)

What To Do If Symptomatic or Exposed:

• • Contact your healthcare provider immediately. 
  • Avoid close or intimate contact with others until seen by a healthcare provider.
  • Avoid gatherings. 
  • Notify Housing and Residence Life if you have monkeypox and live on campus. 
  • Return home and isolate until your rash is healed and symptoms are gone (if possible.)
  • Isolate yourself in a separate room or area to prevent contact with people and pets.
    • Isolation and Infection Control At Home
  • If you are unable to attend class, students must notify their instructors and Dean of Students Office in order to keep them informed and aware of their absences. This link may be used to complete a Request for Academic Notification through the Dean of Students Office.