Monkeypox Student Health Resources

Any close, sustained skin-to-skin contact with someone who has monkeypox can spread the virus. Monkeypox is commonly transmitted during sexual activity, but sex is only one of the ways the virus can be spread. 

Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have a rash that looks like monkeypox. Avoid contact with any objects or materials that an infected person has recently used. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, before eating or touching your face, and after using the bathroom.

See a healthcare provider immediately after noticing a new or unexplained rash or other monkeypox symptoms. Avoid close contact with others, as well as pets and other animals, until you see a healthcare provider and get tested.

Immediately begin isolating and monitoring symptoms until your rash has healed entirely. The isolation period for monkeypox ranges from 14-28 days. To tell if a rash has healed, all scabs should have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin should have formed over the area. If you have a fever, congestion, sore throat, or cough, remain in isolation. If you live with others, isolate in a separate room away from other household members and use a separate bathroom if possible. Disinfect all shared surfaces immediately after use. You should wash all laundry (clothes, towels, bedding, etc.) in warm water & detergent. You should only leave isolation to visit a healthcare provider or for an emergency. Cover the rash and wear a tight-fitting mask when you must leave isolation.

Students who are diagnosed with monkeypox by an off-campus physician should fill out the monkeypox reporting form to ensure that they are connected with the appropriate resources.

Students who live in on-campus housing will not be permitted to isolate in their on-campus residence. We encourage students to arrange travel home via automobile to complete their isolation. We will provide temporary space while the student makes these arrangements and assist them in any way we can. 

Students who have financial barriers to arranging their isolation should complete the emergency aid form. Those who contract monkeypox may need to consider a course load reduction or medical withdrawal depending on the severity of their cases.

You should continue to isolate and refrain from close, skin to skin contact until your rash or symptoms have fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

The monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, so the vaccines developed to protect against smallpox can be used to prevent monkeypox infections. The U.S. government has stockpiled two vaccines that can be used to protect exposed individuals from the virus, but supply is currently limited.

There are two approved monkeypox vaccines. JYNNEOS is the preferred vaccine. It requires two doses, and immune protection reaches its maximum two weeks after the second dose. ACAM2000 is the alternative, single-dose vaccine. Immune protection reaches its maximum four weeks after vaccination. ACAM2000 has more side effects than JYNNEOS and is not recommended for individuals with severely weakened immune systems and other underlying conditions.

Currently, there is a national shortage of the monkeypox vaccine. While anyone can contract monkeypox, the Louisiana Department of Health, in response to this shortage, has prioritized vaccinations for two groups currently eligible for monkeypox vaccine: (1) individuals with known exposures as well as (2) individuals with likely high-risk exposures in the last 14 days. To learn more about the current eligibility for the vaccine in Louisiana, visit the Louisiana Department of Health Frequently Asked Questions section of their website.

Vaccine eligibility criteria are set by the Louisiana Department of Health.  Please monitor their website for updates regarding vaccination recommendations. Individuals who believe they meet the criteria for vaccination and are interested in learning more about vaccine availability at Tulane may email monkeypoxvaccine@tulane.edu. Someone will follow up with you individually. Given our limited supply of vaccine, our top priority for vaccination remains people with known exposures to monkeypox patients. If you are interested in recently a vaccine in the community, please refer to this list of Community Vaccinations Locations within the state of Louisiana.

Currently, there is no treatment specifically designed for monkeypox. Because the monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, antiviral drugs developed for smallpox can be used to treat monkeypox virus infections. If you have tested positive for monkeypox, consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Keep yourself informed about monkeypox in your area. Consider how much close, personal, skin-to-skin contact is likely to occur that the event you are planning to attend. Minimize skin-to-skin contact with others and avoid tight, enclosed spaces. If you have a rash or feel sick, do not attend any gatherings until you have seen a healthcare provider.

In addition to standard safe sex practices such as wearing condoms or dental dams, it is important to reduce or avoid behaviors with an increased risk of monkeypox exposure.

• Exchange contact information with any new partner to allow for follow-up if symptoms occur or contact tracing as needed.
• Talk to your partner about any monkeypox symptoms and be aware of any new rashes or lesions.
• If you or your partner have or recently had monkeypox symptoms or a new, unexplained rash, do not have sex and seek medical attention.
• Limit your number of sex partners to reduce your chances of exposure.
• Remember to wash your hands, bedding, towels, clothing, and sex toys after having sex.

If you believe yourself to be at risk and would like to schedule a monkeypox vaccination, please call ahead at the following locations:

• Crescent Care Health and Wellness Center: 1631 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA (504) 821-2601
• DEPAUL Community Health Center/CARROLLTON: 3201 S Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA (504) 207-3060
• Ochsner Hospital: 1516 Jefferson Hwy. New Orleans, LA (504) 842-3000
• Tulane University School of Medicine: 1430 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA (504) 988-6224
• University Medical Center (UMC): 2000 Canal St. New Orleans, LA (504) 702-3000

Learn more about monkeypox vaccines.

At this time, testing for monkeypox should be directed to the person's primary care office. Faculty and staff who test positive for monkeypox should immediately isolate at home. Given the long isolation period, faculty and staff should contact their dean or supervisor to determine the best course of action regarding remote work or leave. Employees can also contact their HR business partner with other questions.