Eastern Washington University has put together resources for students, faculty and staff to address concerns about monkeypox, a rare viral infection which is characterized by painful sores.
There have been 520 confirmed cases of the monkeypox infection statewide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Spokane County, seven confirmed cases have thus far been reported to the Washington State Department of Health.
Monkeypox is primarily transmitted via skin-to-skin contact with a person who has a rash or scabs from monkeypox. Examples of activities that my carry a risk of monkeypox infection include sexual contact, kissing, hugging, massage and cuddling with people infected with the virus. Transmission can also occur via shared clothing, bedding, towels, or other fabrics and surfaces that have come into contact with an infected person.
Casual contact with an infected person, public health experts say, does not typically result in transmission.
Here are some additional links to public health resources about monkeypox:
- Here is the EWU Counseling and Wellness Services monkeypox virus information page.
- SRHD offers a monkeypox overview and healthcare and clinical guidance.
- The CDC offers the following resource sites:
- Monkeypox Toolkit for Institutions of Higher Education
- Information about childcare centers and schools
- What to know for young adults
If you are a concerned faculty, staff, or community member and wish to alert us about a student needing assistance, please click on ICARE.
