CDC recommends that people with monkeypox remain isolated at home or at another location for the duration of illness. Our campus Health & Wellbeing staff will work with individuals, their healthcare providers, and the El Paso County Public Health Department to manage isolation in ways that balance the impact of this illness. 

Colorado College has set aside a limited number of isolation spaces for students with monkeypox and/or presumptive monkeypox (awaiting lab results), and whenever possible students will remain in isolation for the duration of the illness.  

Students in Isolation should do the following: 

• Remain isolated unless it is necessary to see a healthcare provider or for an emergency. This includes avoiding close or physical contact with other people and animals
• Cover all parts of the rash with clothing, gloves, and/or bandages
• Wear a well-fitting mask (like an N95) and avoid public transportation when leaving the home as required for medical care or an emergency.  Masks should fit closely on the face without any gaps along the edges or around the nose and be comfortable when worn properly over the nose and mouth
• Do not share items that have been worn or handled with other people or animals. Launder or disinfect items that have been worn or handled and surfaces that have been touched by a lesion 
• Avoid close physical contact, including sexual and/or close intimate contact, with other people
• Avoid sharing utensils or cups. Items should be cleaned and disinfected before use by others
• Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after direct contact with the rash

If a student is isolating in an off-campus residence that is shared with others, they should do the following: 

• Remain isolated unless it is necessary to see a healthcare provider or for an emergency. This includes avoiding close or physical contact with other people and animals
• Isolate in a room or area separate from other household members and pets when possible
• If possible, use a separate bathroom if there are others who live in the same household
• If there is not a separate bathroom in the home, the patient should clean and disinfect surfaces such as counters, toilet seats, faucets, using an EPA-registered disinfectant (such as List Q) after using a shared space. This may include during activities like showering, using the toilet, or changing bandages that cover the rash. Consider disposable glove use while cleaning if rash is present on the hands
• Limit use of spaces, items, and food that are shared with other household members
• Do not share dishes and other eating utensils. It is not necessary for the infected person to use separate utensils if properly washed. Wash soiled dishes and eating utensils in a dishwasher or by hand with warm water and soap
• Do not share items that have been worn or handled with other people or animals. Launder or disinfect items that have been worn or handled and surfaces that have been touched by a lesion
• Shared spaces, appliances, or other household items should be disinfected immediately following use
• Cover all parts of the rash with clothing, gloves, and/or bandages
• Wear a well-fitting mask (like an N95), and avoid public transportation when leaving the home as required for medical care or an emergency.  Masks should fit closely on the face without any gaps along the edges or around the nose and be comfortable when worn properly over the nose and mouth
• Avoid close physical contact, including sexual and/or close intimate contact, with other people
• Avoid sharing utensils or cups. Items should be cleaned and disinfected before use by others
• Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after direct contact with the rash