As teachers and students prepare to return to the classroom for the 2022-2023 school year, Spring ISD is monitoring cases in the community and surrounding areas of the monkeypox virus.
Although monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus not commonly seen in the United States, cases have been steadily rising across the country over the past few months. This includes Houston and the surrounding areas.
By knowing the facts, staying informed, and working together, we can help stop the spread of monkeypox.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
Symptoms of monkeypox can vary, but often include:
- A rash, which may look like pimples, blisters, or sores
- Flu-like symptoms before or after the outbreak of a rash, while some may develop only the rash.
Symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash one to four days later.
How Monkeypox Spreads
Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, skin-to-skin contact including:
- Direct contact with monkeypox rash, sores, or scabs
- Contact with objects or fabrics (clothing, bedding, towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox
- Contact with respiratory secretions, through kissing and other skin-to-skin contact.
How To Prevent the Spread
Spring ISD is following guidance from local, state, and federal health authorities to help stop the spread of the virus, and will adapt if that guidance changes in the future. The current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local health authorities for prevention have guided Spring ISD to advise the following precautions:
- Students and staff should wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
- Anyone should stay home and contact their healthcare provider if they feel sick, have a fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes
- Have a new or unexplained rash, which may look like pimples, blisters, or sores
- Staff and students who experience these symptoms should alert their campus nurse and administrator.
The risk to most people remains low, but Spring ISD urges everyone to stay informed to help ensure a safe and healthy start for the 2022-2023 school year!
For more information about monkeypox, visit the CDC website.