Monitoring Mpox

Chaffey College is closely monitoring the current outbreak of Mpox and is in touch with state and county health officials on the latest developments and recommendations. For the latest available information on the outbreak, we recommend the CDC Mpox resource page.

Mpox State Information

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Aug. 1, 2022 in response to the Mpox outbreak. The declaration allowed the state to bolster vaccination efforts, and expand outreach and education about the disease. Chaffey College is closely monitoring the outbreak and will keep the campus community informed if the outbreak affects campus operations.

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a rare disease that has symptoms similar to smallpox, but milder. It is rarely fatal. The virus is spread mostly through close, intimate contact with someone who has monkeypox. Anyone can contract the virus. Symptoms include rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and exhaustion, among others. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

Vaccines

Two Mpox vaccines are currently available in the U.S. As of fall 2022, the federal government has allocated a limited number of vaccine doses to Californians. The CDC advises people who have been exposed to the virus to get the vaccine between 4-14 days after exposure to help reduce symptoms and prevent developing the disease.

What to do if you’re experiencing symptoms

Call your health care provider and ask about testing. Stay at home, wear a mask and cover sores to protect others. If you have contracted Mpox, please do the following:

Employees: Contact Susan Hardie in Human Resources at susan.hardie@chaffey.edu.
Students: Contact Agnes Martin at agnes.martin@chaffey.edu. 

Additional Resources

• California Department of Public health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Vaccine interest form for San Bernardino County residents
• Vaccine information for Los Angeles County residents
• Vaccine information for Riverside County residents