A University of Delaware employee has tested positive for monkeypox as of Wednesday, according to a news release from the university.
The University of Delaware sent an email to all faculty, staff and students Wednesday that informed them about this first reported case in the community. The university does not plan to issue individual emails or press releases for any subsequent cases.
There are currently 19 monkeypox cases in the state, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s case count.
The faculty member diagnosed with monkeypox is isolating and recovering at home, according to the university, and UD is supporting the Delaware Division of Public Health as it notifies those who may have had close contact with the individual.
Most first-year students are moving onto the UD campus this week and weekend. Returning students will likely head back to campus on Sunday before the first day of classes on Tuesday.
UD officials advised all students and members of the university community to stay up to date on what they can do to reduce their risk of contracting monkeypox.
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How to prevent infection
Delaware public health officials have the following recommendations to avoid infection:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have rashes that could be related to monkeypox.
- Individuals who are sexually active can minimize their risk of exposure by limiting the number of partners they have and talking to their partner about their recent history and behaviors.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
As fall sports practices begin, DPH said there are more measures people can take to prevent the spread:
- Laundering uniforms after each game or practice.
- Seeking advice from primary care providers concerning rashes.
- Sanitizing team spaces when they are not in use.
- Not sharing sweat towels, water bottles, mouth guards or other gear.
- Refraining from leaving unused personal gear laying around.
Should you get a vaccine?
Delaware has also ramped up vaccine efforts this week as access extended to those most at risk. Here’s who is now eligible for the monkeypox vaccine, according to DPH:
- People who are living with HIV, as well as those receiving a medication used to prevent HIV − known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP.
- Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and have had multiple (more than one) or any anonymous sexual partners.
- Transgender women or nonbinary people assigned male at birth who have sex with men.
- Sex workers (of any sexual orientation and gender).
- Staff (of any sexual orientation and gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs, including bathhouses, saunas or sex clubs.
Public health officials say that the general public does not need to sign up to get the monkeypox vaccine at this point, but they have also noticed a high demand for the shots among these highest-risk groups. At the CAMP Rehoboth vaccine clinic Tuesday, all 200 slots were filled within hours after the appointments became available.
Anyone who is eligible can now sign up for the monkeypox vaccine at Beebe Healthcare.
To schedule an appointment, visit beebehealthcare.org/online-scheduling and select “monkeypox vaccine.” Available appointments start on Friday, Aug. 26, and walk-ins will not be accepted.
The state public health division has also been administering the vaccine at its clinics by appointment only.
To sign up for one of these DPH appointments, people can call the state’s monkeypox hotline number: 866-408-1899.
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Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches, with a focus on health-related issues. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
