On Aug. 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as part of the state’s ongoing response to the monkeypox outbreak. The proclamation supports the work underway by the California Department of Public Health and others in the administration to coordinate a whole-of-government response to monkeypox, seek additional vaccines and funding and lead outreach and education efforts on accessing vaccines and treatment.

The District is aware that our community has concerns about monkeypox, and to ensure they receive factual information, we have developed this webpage, utilizing information from the CDPH and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here are some facts from the CDPH and CDC regarding monkeypox. Please see the FAQ button, at left, for expanded information broken down by topic. 

• Monkeypox, unlike the virus that causes Covid-19, is not a new virus. It was discovered in 1958.
• Monkeypox is much less contagious than Covid-19. It spreads via close and prolonged contact with someone who has symptoms, or contact with contaminated bedding, towels or clothing. 
• Symptoms and signs include a rash with a bumpy rash on face, hands, feet and body; fever; chills; swollen lymph nodes; and low energy.
• While monkeypox derives from the same virus family as smallpox, IT IS NOT smallpox. 
• If you or your child have any of those symptoms, please stay home, cover any blisters or lesions with clean bandages, isolate from others and contact a health care provider as soon as possible to talk about diagnosis, testing and treatment options.

Here are ways to protect against monkeypox in your homes:

• Practice good hand-washing, for yourselves and with your children. Use soap and wash between fingers, and tops and bottoms of hands, for 20 seconds and rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Wash bedding, towels and clothing with hot water and laundry detergent regularly. If you suspect any of these items in your home have been handled by someone with monkeypox, or who suspects they have monkeypox, launder these items immediately.

As of July 28, the last update from the CDPH, there are 781 monkeypox cases statewide, four of which are in Monterey County. Only one of these cases in the state involves someone under age 18. Currently, the CDC and the CDPH have not released any protocols or guidance for public schools as it relates to monkeypox.

As of Aug. 2, the District is proactively planning the following measures, which may change dependent upon any CDPH guidelines.

• We will continue to provide masks for any students or staff members who prefer to wear them;
• We will make hand-washing areas available and encourage students to wash their hands regularly;
• We will continue to provide hand sanitizer throughout schools;
• We will provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for any staff members who work in supporting student health needs;
• We will continue to thoroughly clean and disinfect buses and school facilities.