Aug. 24, 2022

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is part of a family of variola viruses that causes smallpox. Thus, symptoms are similar to smallpox, however much less severe and rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chicken pox but it is a virus that is spread, most commonly through, close intimate contact with someone who has the known virus. It is less transmissible than chicken pox, measles, or even COVID-19.

How are we responding?

UAF continues to monitor the State of Alaska, Department of Health, Division of Public Health’s (DPH) surveillance of monkeypox in Alaska along with any guidance they provide regarding public health and safety. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports three cases of monkeypox in Alaska, and DPH considers the risk to the general public as “low.” DPH’s website provides important information about the symptoms, transmission, and vaccination guidelines for monkeypox.

The CDC is reporting the number of cases by state, nationwide. This information can be found at their U.S. map and case count webpage. 

If you think you may have been exposed to or contracted monkeypox, please contact your local public health center, healthcare provider, or UAF Student Health and Counseling for additional guidance. Local public health centers can be found on this website. UAF Student Health and Counseling can be contacted at (907) 474-7043.

UAF will continue to monitor this situation and ensure that important information is shared with our campus community.

— Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management