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Monkeypox information and resources
for the Stanford Community

Information and guidance for Stanford faculty, staff, and students regarding the multi-country outbreak of Monkeypox

Stanford University leadership is working closely with county and state public health officials to monitor the current multi-country outbreak of Monkeypox and how it may affect our campus community in the coming months. Cases have been reported in the United States as well as the Bay Area, and we are taking proactive steps to increase education and awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and prevention methods available.  

General Information on Monkeypox

In the current Monkeypox outbreak, positive cases have developed rash and sores on the skin, in the mouth, and in other mucosal areas. Pox/blisters can be painful and sometimes result in scarring. Severe cases occur more commonly in young children, pregnant people, or those with suppressed immune systems The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks, during which individuals must remain isolated away from others unless it is necessary to see a healthcare provider or for an emergency.

Monkeypox is predominantly spread through close personal skin-to-skin contact. Anyone can get Monkeypox infection, which is a public health issue for everyone to be aware of. During this current outbreak, at this point in time, certain populations are being affected by Monkeypox more than others, including men who have sex with men (MSM).

Medical Support and Testing

Vaden is here to support our studentsIf you have symptoms or believe you have been exposed to Monkeypox:

Students

Students should contact an advice nurse at Vaden Health Services if they have symptoms of Monkeypox. The advice nurse can arrange for testing and schedule an appointment to be seen by one of Vaden’s healthcare providers, or need to report confirmed cases.     

Students who are notified they have tested positive for Monkeypox outside of the Vaden health care system should also contact Vaden.

Staff, Faculty, and PostDocs

Faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars with symptoms of Monkeypox are encouraged to consult their primary care provider for more information on acquiring testing following an exposure or symptoms. If you do not have a doctor and have concerns about Monkeypox following an exposure or symptoms, you may be tested following a medical evaluation. You can: 

  1. Call Valley Connections to make an appointment 1-888-334-1000; or
  2. Walk into Valley Health Center Downtown’s Urgent Care Clinic to be evaluated for testing.   

Faculty, staff and postdocs may notify Stanford of testing positive for Monkeypox by emailing the Stanford University Occupational Health Center at stanfordohc@stanford.edu

Prevention & Risk

Monkeypox can spread to anyone through direct contact with Monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with Monkeypox. It can also spread by touching fabrics such as bedding or clothing used by someone with Monkeypox. 

Minimize risk of exposure by:

  • Avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like Monkeypox, other Monkeypox symptoms, or have been diagnosed with Monkeypox. 
  • Asking sexual partners whether they have a rash or other symptoms of Monkeypox or have had contact with someone who has been diagnosed with Monkeypox.
  • Persons with risk factors for Monkeypox are encouraged to limit the number of sexual partners until the current health emergency has resolved due to spread through close contact. 
  • Not sharing objects and materials, including bedding, towels, clothing, utensils, or cups, with a person with Monkeypox.
  • Washing your hands often, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

Vaccination

Vaden Health Services and Stanford University Occupational Health Center do not have access to the Monkeypox vaccine at this time and encourage eligible individuals to pursue vaccination through their local county health department resources.

Vaccine supply is limited and currently only available to close contacts who have had recent exposure to person(s) with Monkeypox, as well as those in the LGBQT+ community who meet additional risk factors. Eligible individuals can visit vax.sccgov.org to register for upcoming vaccine clinics operated by the County of Santa Clara.