Understanding Monkeypox
8/19/2022
Monkeypox has been declared a public health emergency by local, state, national and international public health officials. While there are no known cases at Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) as of August 18, 2022, your health and well-being is a priority so we are sharing information with students, faculty, classified professionals and administrators that will help keep our campuses safe.
Here's what you should know:
The risk of getting Monkeypox appears to be low for the general population. As of August 18, there were 109 confirmed cases in Riverside County. Again, there are no known cases at Mt. San Jacinto College campuses.
Anyone can get Monkeypox and it is a public health concern for all. MSJC does not tolerate discrimination of any kind and has strict non-discrimination policy and procedures.
Early symptoms can mimic those of the flu, including fever, headache, muscle and back pain, fatigue and chills. However, these are followed by a painful rash that often look like pimples or blisters.
If you have questions about prevention, symptoms, treatment, vaccinations and other questions about monkeypox, we urge you to visit the Riverside County University Health System - Public Health web page at rivcoph.org/mpx.
We encourage you to share the resources on that website, which includes informational graphics on symptoms, what you should know, how to reduce stigma and other resources. You may also share the awareness campaign that will be posted on MSJC's official social media platforms with your friends, family, classes and campus clubs.
MSJC is prepared. We provide personal protective equipment (PPE), like masks, and hand sanitizer at several locations at each of our campuses for those who wish to use them. We installed air purifiers and plexiglass shields in some areas. We also provide many locations indoors and outside where study groups can gather and maintain a safe distance from others.
Our Student Health Centers staff are trained to identify Monkeypox. We have the ability to collect and send samples for testing if necessary. We continue to work closely with the Riverside County public health officials so we can keep the campus prepared, informed and healthy.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to Monkeypox or COVID or are not feeling well, please stay home. Contact your instructor if you are a student or, if you are an employee, contact your supervisor and Human Resources.
We understand that after nearly three years of COVID, news of yet a new public health threat can be unsettling. Our Student Health Centers and Employee Assistance Program or online Talkspace is available for anyone who feels stress, anxiety or depression related to these public health crises, please feel free to reach out.