The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and California Department of Public Health have been tracking an outbreak of monkeypox (MPX), which has spread across several countries, including the United States. This outbreak is dynamic, and conditions and health guidance can change. The UC Office of the President recently issued guidance for campuses and other UC locations (including UC ANR) to help ensure that all University locations are appropriately prepared. Based on what is known about the virus, how it spreads, and the status of the current outbreak, the risk of transmission of MPX at UC ANR workplaces or programming is low.
While this outbreak is not a cause for alarm, UC ANR employees should be informed about MPX, its signs and symptoms, how it spreads, how transmission can be prevented, and what to do if an employee contracts MPX. UC ANR Risk & Safety Services has established a website (https://safety.ucanr.edu/MPX/) that provides general information about MPX, how this outbreak relates to UC ANR employees, worksites, and programming, and links to more information from public health and UC campus websites. We will update the website as appropriate when information changes and will alert the UC ANR community if the situation requires.
Brian Oatman
Director, Risk & Safety Services