Health Information About Monkeypox Virus

Dear UVA Families:

In an effort to keep you apprised of health and safety news, I am forwarding the below email regarding monkeypox, which your student received a short while ago.

Although the risk of contracting this virus is low, students should know the symptoms. If they do exhibit symptoms, they should:

Contact Student Health and Wellness by scheduling an appointment online or by calling 434-982-3915, or 434-297-4261 after hours. Students should not walk into the clinic without first discussing their situation with a member of the care team.  

Sincerely,

Robyn S. Hadley
Vice President and Dean of Students
Chief Student Affairs Officer

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

We write to share information about the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox is a rare contagious rash illness caused by the monkeypox virus. The Virginia Department of Health has more information about monkeypox here.

There have been reported cases of monkeypox within the Blue Ridge Health District, which encompasses the city of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson. Protocols from the Virginia Department of Health are being followed to assist any impacted individuals. We wish them a speedy and full recovery. VDH is leading the effort to identify individuals who were in contact with them and reaching out with additional information. The University is prepared to clean and disinfect affected spaces, if needed.

Symptoms of monkeypox usually start within several days and up to three weeks after exposure to the virus. Initial symptoms can include fever or chills, headache, muscle aches and backache, tiredness, swollen lymph nodes and/or rash. For information, visit the Virginia Department of Health website. If you exhibit symptoms, please contact your health-care provider and follow their instructions:

•    Students: Contact Student Health and Wellness by scheduling an appointment online or by calling 434-982-3915, or 434-297-4261 after hours. Please do not walk into the clinic without first discussing your situation with a member of the care team.

•    Faculty and Staff: Contact your primary care physician.

The risk of contracting this infection is very low for those who have been in casual contact (e.g., being in the same room) with an infected individual. The most common means of monkeypox virus transmission is through direct, person-to-person contact with sores, scabs or body fluids from an infected person. For information on monkeypox transmission, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s monkeypox website, call the VDH hotline at 877-829-4682, or visit the CDC monkeypox transmission website.

Given the U.S. monkeypox outbreak, it is not surprising there are cases within our local area, but we know this may heighten anxiety. We will monitor public health conditions at the University and provide updates as needed. Please continue to treat each other with kindness and compassion.

Thank you for all you are doing to safeguard your own health and that of others.

Sincerely, 

Ian Baucom
Executive Vice President and Provost

Jennifer (J.J.) Wagner Davis
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer