With a continued commitment to promote the health and safety of the Regis College community, the institution is closely monitoring mpox (formerly referred to as monkeypox) in the United States. Since vaccinations and treatment are in limited supply, and recognizing that a college campus is a congregate living environment, the university provides this information to educate members of our community on this virus and to share best practices for preventing infection.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, mpox is a rare disease that can cause illness with symptoms including a rash, which may look like pimples or blisters, often with an earlier flu-like illness. The virus can be spread through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact.
Any Regis commuter or residential student who is exhibiting symptoms of mpox should contact the university’s Center for Health and Wellness or their primary healthcare provider for guidance. Faculty or staff should contact their primary healthcare provider.
Resources
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided the following information and resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Am I at a greater risk of contracting mpox if I live in a residence hall?
Regardless of your living situation, it is important for individuals to avoid skin to skin contact with others and not wear the clothes of an infected individual. Additional precautions include wearing a mask and thoroughly cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
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How can I obtain the mpox vaccine?
While Regis does not have access to the limited supplies of the vaccine, those at risk should contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to inquire about the availability of the vaccine.
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Is there a mpox vaccine requirement to live, learn, and work on campus?
The vaccine is not currently required to live, learn, or work on campus.
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I have mpox symptoms; how can I get tested?
Students who are exhibiting symptoms of mpox should contact the university’s Center for Health and Wellness to inquire about testing availability. Faculty and staff should contact their primary care provider.
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If I test positive for mpox, do I have to isolate or quarantine?
Anyone who tests positive for mpox should isolate to prevent spreading the infection to others.
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Will Regis provide employment accommodations during quarantine and isolation?
Faculty and staff who test positive for mpox should not come to campus. Special accommodation requests should be made to the HR Benefits Manager. All such accommodation requests need to be approved by the Department of Human Resources.
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Will Regis provide wellness housing for students who are in isolation and quarantine for mpox?
Wellness Housing is available only to residential students who are required to quarantine/isolate for mpox and have a home address of >300 miles from Regis.
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If I am in quarantine/isolation, how will I attend class?
Excused absences will be arranged on a case by case basis.