Health Advisories

Mpox FAQs

• What is mpox?

  Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. It was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “mpox,” the source of the disease remains unknown.

• How does it spread?

  Mpox does not spread easily between people.

  • You can get mpox from close, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has a rash or scabs from mpox. For example, this can include during hugging, cuddling, a massage, or close contact sports.
  • It also includes contact with spit droplets during close conversation and kissing.
  • It can also spread through sexual contact including touching the genitals, and oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
  • You can also get mpox from contact with objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox.
• Is there a vaccine? 

  Yes, but supplies are limited and eligibility is currently focused on individuals with known or likely exposure. Currently, the Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) and SUNY Plattsburgh do not have access to the mpox vaccine. We will update the campus community if and when the CCHD is able to offer a vaccine clinic. Saratoga County’s Health Department, located in Ballston Spa, has held vaccine clinics and may do so again in the near future 

  Mpox resources from Saratoga County Health Department

• What can I do to protect myself?
  • Ask your sexual partners whether they have a rash or other symptoms of mpox, such as fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion.
  • Avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or other mpox symptoms and those diagnosed with mpox.
  • Don’t share bedding, towels, clothing, utensils, or cups with a person with symptoms of mpox.
  • When eligible, get the vaccine, monitor eligibility and availability of the vaccine.
  • Avoid having sex or intimate contact with anonymous or multiple partners.
• What are the symptoms of mpox?

  People with mpox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butt) and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.

  • The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. (See photos of mpox rash: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/symptoms.html). 
  • The rash will go through several stages-including scabs-before healing.

  Other symptoms of mpox can include fever with chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle and backaches, respiratory symptoms and headache. Sometimes people have flu-like symptoms before the rash, and sometimes people get the rash first.

• How long do mpox symptoms last?

  Mpox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms first, they will usually develop a rash 1–4 days later. Mpox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2–4 weeks.

• I’m experiencing symptoms…what should I do?

  Avoid close contact (including sex or being intimate with anyone) and wear a mask until you have been checked out by a healthcare provide. During the week (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), students should call the Student Health & Counseling Center at 518-564-2187. We are able and prepared to test for mpox if needed. Students who are experiencing severe symptoms outside of Center hours, should call the Champlain Valley Physicians’ Hospital Emergency Department at 518-561-2000.

• I’ve been diagnosed with mpox — what now?

  Students with mpox who are experiencing fever and/or respiratory symptoms  should isolate away from others. Student Health, in consultation with the CCHD, will provide guidance about where to isolate and for how long.

  Most people improve with mpox without antiviral treatment, and require only symptom management with over-the-counter medications such as Advil or Tylenol.

• I’ve been exposed to mpox. Do I need to quarantine?

  No, but contact Student Health or the CCHD to inquire about the availability of post-exposure vaccine.