Mpox
Kansas State University and Lafene Health Center are monitoring the trajectory in mpox (formerly monkeypox) (MPV) cases which prompted the World Health Organization to issue a global health emergency. Lafene Health Center does not currently carry the MPV vaccine.
Thousands in the United States have contracted the illness, with only three cases identified in Kansas. The risk of MPV remains low in Kansas, but members of the campus community should familiarize themselves with the symptoms, monitor their health, and avoid skin-to-skin contact with others who have a rash that looks like blisters or pimples.
MPV symptoms include a pimple or blister-like rash as well as fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Once a rash is present, the virus becomes contagious. The illness can spread through several pathways, including intimate contact (kissing, cuddling, and sex); direct contact with infectious rashes, scabs, or body fluids; and touching items (linens and clothing) previously touched by an infectious rash or body fluids. The main means of transmission is through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. More on the illness can be found on the CDC’s mpox webpage.
This is an evolving situation that Lafene Health Center is closely watching to best implement health and safety measures that protect our community. For the safety of others in the building, students and other Lafene Health Center patients seeking evaluation for suspected MPV infection or exposure should contact us at 785-532-6544 for triage and instructions.
