Monkeypox virus – a rare but potentially serious viral illness – has become a global concern because of its spread in the U.S. and other countries that don’t normally see monkeypox cases.
UWM is working with local public health officials to monitor the virus. While the risk of monkeypox spreading widely throughout the UWM campus remains low, the university will adjust its response, prevention strategies and guidance if conditions change and as more information becomes available.
While this outbreak is very different from the coronavirus pandemic, university officials and public health leaders have learned many lessons over the past two years to prevent the spread of infectious disease to keep students and employees safe.
How it spreads: Monkeypox doesn’t spread easily from person to person. People can become infected after having close, personal — often skin-to-skin contact — with a person who has monkeypox.
Symptoms: The symptoms are similar to those of smallpox but less severe. They include a new, unexplained rash that develops into skin lesions. Other early symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and headache.
For more: To learn more about prevention steps, symptoms, vaccination availability and what to do if you get sick, visit the Student Health and Wellness Center Monkeypox Information page.
More information on monkeypox is available at the Milwaukee Health Department and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services websites.
