Texas State University confirms monkeypox case within community

SAN MARCOS, Texas — Texas State University has confirmed a positive monkeypox case within the community, although the individual does not live on campus.

Dr. Emilio Carranco, the director of student health at Texas State, said the individual lives off-campus and will remain in isolation until their rash heals and they are no longer contagious, per CDC guidelines.

Carranco said the Hays County Local Health Department will conduct a case investigation and assist in identifying and contacting any close contacts of the positive case.

Carranco said that the risk of exposure to Texas State campuses remains low, but the university will carefully analyze any subsequent or additional monkeypox reports on a case by case basis and will issue additional notices “only if other significant factors warrant such notification.”

Carranco shared the following guidelines for preventing monkeypox infection and spread:

Avoid skin-to-skin contact with a person who has developed a pimple or blister-like rashDo not share utensils or touch bedding, clothing or towels used by a person with monkeypoxWash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizerWatch for monkeypox symptoms such as muscle aches, fatigue, headache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, congestion or coughWatch for a new pimple or blister-like rash in the genital area, chest, arms, hands or faceIf you suspect monkeypox, wear a face mask, isolate from others and call your primary care provider or the Student Health Center at 512-245-2161 to schedule an evaluation

Information on monkeypox is available on the Texas State Student Health Center website.

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