Dear Campus Community,
Student Health Services would like to provide you with information on monkeypox and TCNJ’s plan for managing any cases within our community. As you know, there is a current monkeypox outbreak in the U.S. and other countries where the virus does not usually spread. As of August 24, 2022, the New Jersey Department of Health reported 450 probable and confirmed cases of monkeypox in N.J. Though the number of monkeypox cases are increasing and it is likely we will see cases within our campus community, the risk of monkeypox to the campus community remains low at this time.
How It Spreads:
Monkeypox, belonging to the smallpox family of viruses, is rarely fatal. Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including direct contact with monkeypox skin lesions, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox. Although monkeypox is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, it is often transmitted through close, sustained physical contact, which can include sexual contact.
People can spread the virus from the onset of symptoms until all the skin lesions have scabbed and fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This process typically takes 2-4 weeks. During this time, you MUST isolate yourself from others. This means not coming to campus.
Symptoms:
Once exposed to the virus, a person usually develops symptoms of the illness within 21 days. Symptoms include skin lesions (rash) that may be located on or near the genitals, and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. Other symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, chills, swollen lymph glands, muscle aches, headache, exhaustion, and cold-like symptoms. Diagnosis can be confirmed by testing a lesion.
Prevention:
Following the recommended prevention steps can help protect you and your community.
- Limit your close intimate skin-to-skin contact with unknown people.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face, and after you use the bathroom.
- Do not touch the skin or scabs of a person with monkeypox
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with a person with monkeypox.
- Do not share food, drinks, or eating utensils with others.
- Do not share unwashed clothing, towels, or bedding with others.
Vaccination: Individuals exposed to monkeypox or at high risk for monkeypox are eligible for vaccination. Please see https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/vaccines.html. A list of vaccination locations in N.J. can be found at https://www.nj.gov/health/monkeypox/vaccines/index.shtml
If you think you have monkeypox and are a student: Wear a mask and isolate yourself from other people and animals. Call Student Health Services at 609-771-2889 to schedule a telemedicine appointment for medical assessment and testing. Please note that test results can take up to 4 days to come back and during this time, you will need to remain isolated. If positive for monkeypox, Student Health Services, with your permission, can disclose this information to the Dean of Students who can reach out to your faculty to ensure academic assistance is provided.
If you think you have monkeypox and are an employee: Wear a mask and isolate yourself from other people and animals. Notify your supervisor and do not come to campus. Call your healthcare provider and arrange for medical assessment and testing.
If you have tested positive for monkeypox and are a student: Please notify Student Health Services at 609-771-2889. If you live on campus, also email Housing at housing@tcnj.edu. You will be required to leave campus and begin your isolation at home for 2 to 4 weeks. You must be medically cleared by Student Health Services to return to campus. Your rash must be 100% resolved, skin clear, and a fresh layer of skin formed to be eligible to schedule your return to campus clearance appointment.
If you have tested positive for monkeypox and are an employee: Please notify Human Resources at hr@tcnj.edu. You will be required to provide documentation and isolate at home for 2 to 4 weeks. You must obtain a Return to Work clearance note from your healthcare provider before you return to in-person work. Your rash must be 100% resolved, skin clear, and a fresh layer of skin formed to be eligible to see your healthcare provider for a Return to Work clearance note.
Resources:
New Jersey Department of Health: https://www.nj.gov/health/monkeypox/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html
Please email health@tcnj.edu if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Janice Vermeychuk
Director of Student Health Services