A student at Penn State University has tested positive for monkeypox, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The student does not live on campus, according to health officials.
Penn State University Monkeypox Case
The student, who tested positive Saturday, has been seen by healthcare providers and is currently being isolated. Penn State Student Affairs University Health Services (UHS) contacted the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the two organizations continue monitoring the situation. The student's close contacts have been identified and notified due to contract tracing conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Penn State University Encourages Students to Protect Themselves Against Monkeypox
The university strongly encourages students to learn about monkeypox and take precautions. Monkeypox is a viral infection that is spread primarily through prolonged close contact. It is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, is at risk. Fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes are the most common symptoms of monkeypox.
The monkeypox virus has caused no deaths in the United States, and people usually recover on their own without medical treatment. On the other hand, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions may develop a more severe case of monkeypox if infected.
Monkeypox testing is available at University Health Services. Students who exhibit symptoms of monkeypox should isolate themselves and schedule an appointment through myUHS. They can also call the 24/7 Advice Nurse.
The university also shared on Twitter an advisory that would help students who have questions about monkeypox.
Do you have questions about monkeypox? Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about monkeypox here: https://t.co/ZTbM3tTf1l pic.twitter.com/8iirs6yCLZ
— PA Department of Health (@PAHealthDept) August 16, 2022
What to Do When Exposed to a Person with Monkeypox
Anyone who has come into contact with a monkeypox carrier should closely monitor their health, check for any symptoms, and get in touch with University Health Services to make an appointment.
Students who are concerned about the possibility of contracting monkeypox should contact University Health Services or their primary care physician.
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Those subjected to bias or harassment should report it to Report Bias. Individual assistance for bias or harassment is available through Student Affairs offices such as the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity or Counseling and Psychological Services.
They are also encouraged to talk with their instructors and/or academic advisors about their academic concerns.
Pennsylvania Monkeypox Cases
According to the most recent data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted in Centre Daily, Pennsylvania's monkeypox case count reached 336 Monday, an increase of more than 130 cases since Aug. 5.
The new infections in Pennsylvania come as the United States continues to identify new cases of the virus, including at least seven pediatric cases.
Monkeypox is a member of the same virus family as smallpox, but it is milder and rarely fatal, according to the CDC.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported five cases in the state's north central region. Centre, Bradford, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Synder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties are included in this region. The agency refused to release any additional localized information about the cases, citing patient confidentiality.
To date, the CDC has reported 11,890 cases of monkeypox in the United States linked to the 2022 outbreak.
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