The first reported case of monkeypox at the University of Delaware was identified today. A UD employee has been diagnosed with monkeypox. The individual is currently isolating and recovering at home. UD is supporting the Delaware Division of Public Health as it notifies those who may have had close contact with the individual.

The University will continue to monitor the situation and encourages all members of the UD community to stay apprised of ways to reduce their risk of contracting monkeypox.

Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus in the Poxvirus family, and it can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes and a rash. It is spread through close contact, including prolonged intimate face-to-face contact and skin-to-skin contact when a rash is present. It is contagious from the time symptoms begin until the rash has healed and new skin has formed, which can take two to four weeks.

It is important to note that monkeypox is much different than COVID-19. It does not spread before symptoms start, by casual contact or by being in the same space as someone with monkeypox. Transmission primarily requires prolonged intimate face-to-face contact or skin-to-skin contact with an individual when symptoms are present.

The University issued a health advisory to the campus about monkeypox on Aug. 19, and more information for the UD community is available online at udel.edu/monkeypox.

This communication is designed to make the campus community aware of the disease’s appearance in our community and steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of contracting it. Additional cases will not be announced.