Monkeypox Resources

About Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the same family of viruses as variola, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Most people have a mild illness and recover on their own. 

Symptoms of monkeypox may begin with flu-like symptoms that can include: 

• Fever 
• Headache 
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes 
• Exhaustion  

Typically, a rash or skin bumps develop within one to three days after the onset of fever, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body. Recently, additional symptoms have not always occurred before the rash or bumps, if they have occurred at all. 

Monkeypox can look like syphilis, herpes, blisters, or even acne, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider if you develop a new rash or bumps.

Additional resources about monkeypox can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/about.html 

What should I do if I think I might have monkeypox? 

If you suspect you might have monkeypox, the Mines Student Health Center can conduct testing to confirm the diagnosis.  

• Call the Student Health Center at 303-273-3381 to set up a telehealth appointment. Do not walk in. 
• Monkeypox testing is also available from Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) in Golden and other community healthcare providers. For a full list of testing providers, go to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website. 
• Cover all parts of the rash with clothing, gloves and/or bandages, and wear a face mask. 

The CDC also recommends that anyone with a suspected case of monkeypox: 

• Avoid touching anyone until you have been to the doctor. 
• Wash your hands often and try not to touch your eyes.  
• If you wear contact lenses, wear glasses instead, if possible, to avoid infecting your eyes. 
• Avoid contact with pets and with people who are more likely to get very sick, including children under the age of 8, people who are pregnant, and people with weakened immune systems.

Can I get vaccinated against monkeypox? 

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is currently overseeing the state’s supply of the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine. The Student Health Center is not providing monkeypox vaccination at this time.  

CDPHE is hosting free vaccine clinics for eligible Coloradans in the Denver metro area – including at Jefferson County Public Health in Golden. Due to the limited vaccine allotment from the federal government, appointments to receive the Jynneos vaccine are currently available only to those who meet certain criteria. Check the CDPHE website for the latest on who currently qualifies for vaccination. 

If you meet the criteria, you can request a vaccine appointment by filling out this CDPHE form: Request a vaccine appointment using this form. 

More information about monkeypox vaccination in Colorado can be found on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website.