Mpox Response

Nassau Community College is committed to the health and well-being of our College community. As such, the Health Office at Nassau Community College is closely monitoring the Mpox (formerly Monkeypox) Outbreak.

According to the CDC, Mpox is a rare disease that is similar to but milder than smallpox. Symptoms may start within 3 weeks of exposure and usually last 2-4 weeks. Symptoms include:

• a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, mouth, hands, feet, chest, and genitals
• fever
• headache
• muscle aches
• swollen lymph nodes
• chills
• respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, cough)

Mpox spreads through close or intimate contact with an infected individual; touching objects, fabrics or surfaces used by someone with Mpox; and respiratory secretions. Spread can also occur if scratched or bitten by an infected animal. All NCC employees and students should follow preventive practices recommended by the CDC, including:

• Washing your hands often.
• Self-monitoring for symptoms, especially if exposed to someone with Mpox.
• Avoiding close or skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like Mpox.
• Avoiding contact with objects and materials that a person with Mpox has used.

The CDC has specific recommendations for individuals to be vaccinated, please view their website. If eligible, you can make an appointment with the Nassau County Department of Health to obtain a Mpox vaccine. 

Any additional questions may be directed to HealthOffice@ncc.edu.