Pat Walker Health Center Monitoring, Creating Awareness About Monkeypox

University of Arkansas' Pat Walker Health Center

As a reminder to the entire campus community, the Pat Walker Health Center has the health and well-being of this community in mind. With the fall semester starting on Aug. 22, it is important to create awareness among the entire campus community on how you can prevent the spread of monkeypox. 

The health providers and staff at the health center have been monitoring monkeypox and staying up to date with information from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the ADH (Arkansas Department of Health) to prepare for the upcoming semester.  

TOP FIVE THINGS TO KNOW 

• Transmission of Monkeypox 

  • Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact 

• Signs & Symptoms 

  • Initial symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, headache, respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion or cough) and rash (develops in over 90 percent of cases/infections) 

• How Long Symptoms Last 

  • Monkeypox symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus and typically lasts two to four weeks.  

• Treatment for Monkeypox 

  • Pre- and post-exposure vaccination and anti-viral medications (in limited supply) are currently being facilitated through the ADH in conjunction with our local health units for high-risk groups. 

• Protect Yourself 

  • Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox. 

  • Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used. 

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 

Pat Walker Health Center can perform a specimen collection from lesions to send through Quest for a monkeypox virus test to determine if a patient is infected with the virus. Test results take two to three days to come back. Washington County Health Unit also offers testing in our area.  

The Monkeypox Information & Resources page on the Pat Walker Health Center's website will give you more in-depth information you should know as you head into the upcoming semester.