A West Virginia University student tested positive for monkeypox on Wednesday (September 7). The patient, who resides off campus, has been seen by health care providers and is currently being isolated and recovering. WVU Medicine Student Health will continue to monitor the case, the student’s close contacts have been identified and are being notified by the Monongalia County Health Department, and the WVU CARE Team is providing support.
Monkeypox is a rare disease that is mostly is spread through close, personal and/or intimate contact with an individual infected with the monkeypox virus. This includes direct skin-to-skin contact with the monkeypox rash or bodily fluids from an infected person.
“Currently, the risk of transmission of monkeypox on our campus and across the state is very low and, with appropriate safety precautions, there is no need for increased concern,” Dr. Carmen Burrell, medical director of WVU Medicine’s Student Health and Urgent Care. said. “You can prevent infection by avoiding direct contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person diagnosed with monkeypox and by wearing a mask if you are in close, prolonged contact with someone who has symptoms or a confirmed infection, such as in a health care setting.. Any exposed person should monitor for symptoms for 21 days and, if symptoms develop, isolate until evaluation by a health care professional.
Learn more about monkeypox symptoms, how to protect yourself from transmission, and WVU medical services.
This video from WVU Medicine also provides helpful information.
While the University will not send public communications for every new case, those identified as having potential exposure will be notified and asked to follow instructions if contacted. WVU will continue to partner with the Monongalia County Health Department to raise awareness, provide educational resources and share information about vaccine availability.
Students with medical questions should contact WVU Medicine Student Health at 304-285-7200.
-WVU-
and/09/07/22
MEDIA CONTACT: Prill Kaull
Executive Director of Communications
Relations with the University
304-293-3990; [email protected]
Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.
