Mpox Information

Updated August 21, 2024

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a disease caused by infection with a virus known as Monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. There are two types (i.e., “clades”) of Monkeypox virus. Historically, clade I has been associated with a higher percentage of people with mpox developing severe illness or dying, compared to clade II.

Berklee Preparations

As part of our ongoing partnership with Tufts Medical Center, members of the Health and Wellness team already meet with our medical colleagues at Tufts Medical Center on a weekly basis to stay abreast of any medical concerns that arise for our students and how to facilitate access to medical care for any reason.

We will update this webpage with any major changes regarding risk factors, community transmission, treatment options, and vaccination recommendations.   

Updates on Mpox in the United States (August 2024)

• No cases of clade I mpox have been reported outside central and eastern Africa at this time, including the United States.
• The risk to the general public in the United States is very low.
• At this time, recommendations regarding risk factors and indications for vaccination have not changed since 2022.
• On August 16, 2024, the CDC updated its Patient’s Guide to Mpox Treatment with TPOXX.

Mpox Symptoms

• A rash that appears several days after infection, usually beginning on the face and then appearing on other parts of the body. Recent reports indicate the rash can begin on the genitals. Over several weeks, the rash changes from small spots to tiny blisters similar to chickenpox, and then to larger, pus-filled blisters. These can take several weeks to scab over, at which point you are no longer contagious.
• Fever ≥100.4°F (thought fever is not always present)
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

How Mpox Is Contracted

In the U.S., mpox can be contracted:

• through contact with an infected person’s skin lesions, bodily fluids, respiratory secretions, or through intimate or close contact (including sex);
• through contact with materials contaminated with the virus, such as bedding, clothing, and sex toys; or
• through intimate or close contact, including sex, with an infected person;

Mpox is not considered a sexually transmitted illness (STI) because it can be spread through any physical contact.

Mpox Vaccine Recommendations

While the risk to the general public remains very low, we recommend you review the CDC’s Mpox Vaccination Basics page to see if your behaviors may place you in a higher risk category where vaccinations can help. 

If you meet the criteria outlined by the CDC, please learn about where to get vaccinations on the Medical Care for Students page.

Preventing Mpox

Ideally, a caregiver should be previously vaccinated against smallpox. If you are caring for someone who has mpox, taking these steps may help protect you from the virus:

• wear a mask and gloves,
• regularly wash your hands, and
• practice physical distancing when possible.

If You Think You Have or Are Diagnosed with Mpox

All community members:

• If you have questions about suspected symptoms, physically distance yourself from others and wear a mask.
• All Boston residents living in the City of Boston who are diagnosed with mpox are contacted and followed by the Boston Public Health Commission’s Infectious Diseases Bureau throughout their disease course to provide information and support.

Students:

• Call the Tufts Medical Center's dedicated student line at 617-636-6006 to request more information, Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
• Enrolled students have access to telehealth through the Tufts Medical Center Emergency Department Monday through Friday, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.  Information can be found on the Medical Care for Students page.
• For non-emergency questions, email your case manager at healthandwellness@berklee.edu or schedule a virtual appointment with your case manager. 

Faculty and staff:

 Please call your primary care provider for guidance.