Monkeypox (MPV) Testing Available at Student Health
September 26, 2022
We want to remind you of the health care resources available to our students, particularly as we continue to see the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in our community. In particular, we want to inform you of services available through the Student Health Center should a student test positive for the monkeypox virus (MPV).
While the University has not had a student test positive for MPV, we are well prepared should that occur. The Student Health Center will test students who are exhibiting MPV symptoms.
Know that our providers offer this carefree of judgment and with the same measure of confidentiality and discretion used in all private medical testing and treatment. We continue to strive to reduce stigmatization and instead prioritize safety and cura personalis –– care for the whole person.
MPV is a virus that, in most cases, shows up as one or more painful rashes. We encourage you to review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s list of signs and symptoms. If you aren’t sure about a symptom you’re experiencing, please contact Student Health at 314-977-2323 to talk with a healthcare professional 24/7 (press 9 outside of regular business hours).
MPV can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact. If you learn you are a close contact of an MPV-infected person, please call Student Health immediately at 314-977-2323.
The St. Louis City Health Department is giving SLU access to vaccines in the event a student is a close contact of MPV. Our goal is to vaccinate close contacts within four days of exposure to offer them the best chance to prevent spread or make the infection less severe.
If you are a high-risk individual looking to get vaccinated, we encourage you to review the St. Louis Health Department’s website to learn how to access the vaccine at a local clinic.
Our new MPV webpage provides additional information, including frequently asked questions about contact tracing, isolation housing and other topics.
Please know the Student Health Center is a great starting point for your health care needs. Our providers can do in-house blood work, x-rays, physicals, STI panels, psychiatry, physical therapy and more. Check out the list of services here. This is all right here on campus on the ground floor of Marchetti East. If our team can’t help you for any reason, we are always able to refer you to a specialist.
If you have any questions, we are always here to help.
Thank you and be well,
Sarah Cunningham, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Development
Katie Skosky, FNP-C
Director, Student Health Center