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Mpox Information and Resources
INTRODUCTION
Mpox (formerly referred to as "Monkeypox") is a virus that is spread mostly through close, intimate contact with someone who has the virus or contact with objects that have been in contact with someone with Mpox. The CDC is tracking an outbreak of this virus here in the United States. You can take steps to prevent or lower your risk of getting Mpox, including vaccination for people who have been exposed to the virus or those who are at higher risk of being exposed to Mpox.
Explore the information provided on this page. Consult with a healthcare provider if you have symptoms, even if you don't think you had contact with someone who has Mpox. If you do contract Mpox, review and follow the guidelines at the bottom of this page.
PREVENTION STEPS
Anyone can get Mpox. Protect yourself and others. You can protect our community by following the recommended prevention steps and getting vaccinated if you were exposed to Mpox or are at higher risk of being exposed to the virus.
- The best way to prevent transmission and reduce the severity of illness related to Mpox is to get vaccinated. Vaccination is recommended for people who have been exposed to Mpox and people who may be more likely to get Mpox.
- If you believe you may have been exposed to Mpox, the sooner you are vaccinated the more likely you are to protect yourself and your community.
You can reduce your risk for Mpox by:
- Avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like Mpox.
- Avoiding contact with objects and materials that a person with Mpox has used.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Talking to a healthcare provider about your risk of getting Mpox and available vaccines.
know your risk
- Direct contact with rash, scabs, or body fluids
- Sexual or intimate contact (condoms DO NOT protect against Mpox)
- Kissing/Cuddling
- Dancing at a crowded party inside with non-fully clothed people
- Sharing drinks
- Sharing a bed, towels, or toiletries
- Dancing at a crowded party inside with fully clothed people
- Dancing at a party outside with mostly clothed people
- Co-worker to co-worker
- Trying on clothing at a store
- Traveling on an airplane/public transit
- In a swimming pool, hot tub, or water In a public restroom
- At a grocery store/coffee shop, or at the gym (via equipment)
- Touching a doorknob
Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Students
- Tampa campus: contact Student Health & Wellness Center at 813.974.2331 or online appointment request
- St. Petersburg campus: contact the Wellness Center at 727.873.4422 or online appointment request
- Sarasota-Manatee campus: contact the Wellness Center at 813.974.2331 or online appointment request
Faculty & Staff
- Contact USF Health at 813.974.2201 or the Florida Department of Health (FDOH)
Printable Resources
What To Do If YOU ARE Infected
- Please remain isolated from others throughout the duration of the illness. Isolate in a room or area separate from other household members. Friends, family, and others without an essential need to be in your living space should not visit.
- If possible, use a separate bathroom if there are others who live in the same space. If this is not possible, individuals should clean and disinfect surfaces such as toilets seats, counters, and faucets after using a shared space.
- Do not share potentially contaminated items, such as bed linens, clothing, towels, wash cloths, drinking glasses or eating utensils. Be sure to properly clean all the above-mentioned items which have been used.
- Avoid close contact with others, including going to the gym, work, traveling, and attending social gatherings, such as clubs and organizations.
- Avoid close contact with pets and other animals. If possible, have friends or family members care for healthy pets until the individual recovers.
- Hand hygiene – the use of an alcohol-based hand rub or hand washing with soap and water – should be performed by people with Mpox and household contacts after touching rash material, clothing, linens, or environmental surfaces that may have had contact with rash material.
- Cover all skin rashes to the extent possible by wearing long sleeves or long pants. Gloves can be considered for covering rash on the hands when not in isolation such as when receiving medical care.
- People with Mpox should use a well-fitting mask if close contact with others cannot be avoided, such as when receiving medical care.
For information, visit Centers for Disease Control.