September 2022
Dear Wesleyan Families,
This campus public health update was sent on Sunday to the campus community. Please refer to the Keep Wes Safe website for updated campus health policies.
To the Wesleyan Community,
Welcome back! I hope you all had a restful and restorative summer break. As we embark on a new academic year, I write with updates on the newest COVID-19 booster, guidance surrounding monkeypox, and flu season. Please continue to visit Keep Wes Safe for future updates.
COVID-19
Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that all those eligible receive an updated bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, which targets the omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. The University is strongly encouraging all those in our community to get the updated COVID-19 booster when they become eligible. Details on eligibility can be found on the FDA’s website. Connecticut providers have been authorized to begin administering doses as soon the vaccine arrives. We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to book an appointment with your vaccine provider (pharmacy, health care provider, community clinic, etc.), as appointments become available. We will update Keep Wes Safe with the latest information.
MONKEYPOX
Transmission and Symptoms
Transmission of monkeypox occurs from skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Research has found that more than 90% of cases involve men who have sex with men. It can be transmitted by respiratory droplets—although this is rare—and by contact with infected surfaces, specifically bedding and clothing worn by those with active lesions.
The incubation period is three to 17 days (about 2 and a half weeks). Typically, symptoms of fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and chills precede a rash by one to two days. The rash varies from vesicles (blisters) to papules (bumps) and pustules (pimples). A person may have one or many painful lesions.
A patient is considered free of contagion when all the lesions have scabbed and dried up. This process usually takes two to four weeks. The need for isolation and length of isolation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Faculty or staff who test positive for monkeypox should contact their health care provider, notify their supervisor, and stay home until cleared to return to work by a healthcare professional.
The vast majority of those with monkeypox will recover with time, rest, and medications to control symptoms (Tylenol, Advil, and Benadryl). However, in cases where anti-viral drugs are needed, a consultation will be made with an infectious disease specialist and/or the CT Department of Public Health.
Testing
If a student notices a suspicious skin lesion believed to be monkeypox, they should call Davison Health Center. They will receive an appointment for an exam in an isolated exam room. Due to the contagious nature of the virus, please do not use walk-in services. If a student is diagnosed as having monkeypox by an outside health care provider, they should immediately notify Davison Health Center. Faculty and staff should consult their health care provider.
Risk Factors and Vaccination
The Connecticut Department of Public Health will give the monkeypox vaccine to high-risk patients, which are defined on its website. Several clinics and community health centers have access to this vaccine, including Middletown Community Health Center (CHC). To receive the vaccine, contact the Middletown CHC at 860-347-6971.
SEASONAL FLU
September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated against flu, especially as we continue to confront a respiratory illness like COVID-19. Health officials are warning of an especially severe flu season this year. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. The University will offer a flu vaccine clinic on campus for students in the fall, for which we will announce details shortly. Faculty and staff are encouraged to book an appointment at their local pharmacy or health care provider as appointments become available.
As always, we appreciate you doing your part to Keep Wes Safe.
Be well,
Tom McLarney, MD
Medical Director