Eight students at Philadelphia school may have been exposed to mpox, formerly monkeypox

Mpox can be passed on from person to person through contact

Several students at an elementary school in Philadelphia may have been exposed to mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. Eight pupils at Richmond School in the city’s Port Richmond were potentially exposed to the virus.

The School District of Philadelphia made the announcement on Wednesday, saying it was a “low-level exposure” and that it’s “very unlikely that people with low-level exposure will develop mpox.” The health department informed parents out of caution, the district added, but if parents or carers weren’t notified, it means there’s no exposure risk.

“The school community has taken the necessary precautions to protect students and staff and wish to provide additional resources and information in case you have questions,” principal Susan Rozanski wrote in a letter to staff at the Richmond School, according to CBS.

Mpox is a rare disease that can spread to anyone through close, personal and often skin-to-skin contact, including contact with saliva and mucous, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The virus can also sometimes spread by touching objects, fabrics and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox and not disinfected, but this is not common, the CDC added.

Mpox symptoms include fever, chills, sore muscles, headache, tiredness, swollen glands, and a rash. The mpox vaccine is available in Philadelphia for anyone who thinks they have been exposed.

The city’s health department is asking parents of students who had a “low-level exposure” to keep a close eye on any developing symptoms of mpox in their children until Tuesday, February 27. If children developer a fever or a new rash, parents or carers are urged to call the health department at 215-686-4514.

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