Penn State Reports First Monkeypox Case at University Park

A Penn State student has tested positive for monkeypox, marking the first reported case at the University Park campus.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed the student, who lives off campus, tested positive on Aug. 13, according to a university news release. The student “has been seen by health care providers, and is currently isolating and recovering,” according to the university.

DOH identified and notified close contacts through contact tracing.

Monkeypox a viral infection that is spread through direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs or body fluids, prolonged direct contact with respiratory secretions and direct contact with objects or fabrics that touched the rash or bodily fluids of an infected person. It is rarely fatal.

Its symptoms are similar to smallpox but milder and include fever, swollen lymph nodes and rash that goes through several stages, including scabbing, before healing.

Most patients experience mild illness and require no treatment, according to DOH. The infection typically lasts two to four weeks.

Individuals with symptoms or who test positive should isolate until the rash heals. Penn State advised students who have symptoms to schedule an appointment with University Health Services to schedule an appointment with University Health Services or call the 24/7 Advice Nurse at 814-865-4847. 

Pennsylvania has 362 monkeypox cases as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A total of 13,517 have been confirmed nationwide.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency on Aug. 5.