FAQ - Monkeypox (Mpox)
Decision Making Process
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What are the district’s action steps for a confirmed case of Mpox?
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Receive case confirmation from the local board of health.
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An individual with a confirmed case of mpox is instructed to isolate at home following guidelines outlined by the CDC and DPH: https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/acute-disease-epidemiology/monkeypox-guidance-and-resources.
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The local public health department provides guidance to all household contacts with instructions to monitor for symptoms.
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APS Health Services will initiate a communication protocol to notify all relevant departments and personnel.
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APS Health Services with the Fulton County Board of Health (FCBOH) will contact trace and quickly identify any individuals who may have been exposed. Individuals identified as close contacts by CDC criteria will receive a separate letter with additional steps.
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Close contacts who do not have symptoms do not need to quarantine and may continue to attend school or work.
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General no close contact notification is provided to students, staff, and families of the impacted APS facility.
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APS Facilities is notified to thoroughly clean and disinfect classrooms and other areas at the school to ensure a healthy, safe learning and work environment.
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APS Health Services will continue to monitor the case and notify stakeholders of any additional information that is identified and will communicate through all usual channels.
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How can I send feedback or ask questions?
We welcome your questions and feedback at any time via APS Let’s Talk: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/domain/14240
We will add to these FAQs based on future questions.
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What is Mpox (previously referred to as Monkeypox)?
Mpox (previously referred to as Monkeypox) is a rare infection caused by the Mpox virus. It is part of the same family of viruses that causes Smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to Smallpox symptoms but are milder and are rarely fatal.
For more information about Mpox, please visit: https://dph.georgia.gov/monkeypox and https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html
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What should I do if I have been diagnosed with Mpox or think I might have Monkeypox?
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Isolate from other people and animals until a physician, in collaboration with public health, has determined that you are no longer contagious. For this, the rash must fully resolve, scabs must fall off, and a fresh layer of intact skin must form. Full recovery may take 2 - 4 weeks from the symptom's start date.
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Isolation includes:
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Not sharing a bedroom with others in your household,
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Not sharing a bathroom or disinfecting the bathroom after each use, and
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Avoiding sharing linens and towels in bathrooms and kitchens.
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Used items should be removed from common areas to avoid other household members accidentally touching them. Please see CDC's Mpox Guidance for Household Disinfection to learn how to correctly disinfect your home, including commonly touched areas, linen, and food utensils.
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Cover the rash and wear a well-fitted mask if you need to leave isolation before being cleared.
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Notify your close contacts.
- For more detailed Mpox Home Isolation Guidance, please see: What should I do if I think I might have Mpox?
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What is considered a close contact?
Anyone, since the onset of symptoms of the confirmed case, who has:
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Touched or come into contact with the rash on the body of a confirmed case.
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Shared cups, utensils, towels, clothing, bedding, blankets, or other objects and materials.
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Hugged, cuddled, or kissed.
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CDC’s Exposure risk assessment for community settings will be used to determine close contact’s risk level. In this school setting, this may mean being within 6 feet for a total of 3 hours or more (cumulative) of an unmasked person with monkeypox without wearing a surgical mask or respirator. Or skin to skin contact during close-contact sports.
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Do I have to quarantine if I have been exposed to a confirmed case of Monkeypox?
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Students and staff who are exposed to a person with monkeypox do not need to be excluded or quarantined from an educational setting in most cases, including if you remain without symptoms.
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However, you should contact your healthcare provider or local public health district office for additional guidance. They may advise you on how to get tested or vaccinated for Monkeypox. You can find the contact information and address for your local health district by clicking this link: Contact information for local public health districts.
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You should also monitor for symptoms for 21 days after your last day of exposure, including monitoring your temperature twice per day.
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If symptoms develop, you should immediately isolate yourself and contact your doctor or the local health department for more guidance.
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For more detailed information for those exposed to Monkeypox, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/monitoring.html
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Positive Cases and Reporting
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Do I need to report a confirmed positive case to the school or my supervisor?
Yes, we encourage all confirmed cases to report their positive case immediately to allow our school district to conduct contact tracing and cleaning protocols. These action steps will help us to promote a safe environment and mitigate potential spread of disease.
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How will contact tracing be handled?
Case investigation and case management will be conducted by the assigned school nurse or district nurse or case investigator in collaboration with Health Services and the local board of health (who conduct actual contact tracing).
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Who will be responsible for contact tracing Monkeypox cases?
Monkeypox cases are tracked through collaborative efforts with School Nurses, Health Services and the Data Information Group to collect and report data. The local board of health will also be responsible for contact tracing to ensure exposed individuals receive the most accurate information.
Vaccinations and Testing
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Where can I get tested or vaccinated for Monkeypox?
For information about Monkeypox testing or vaccination, please get in touch with your healthcare provider or your local Public Health District Office. To find your local public health office, please reference https://dph.georgia.gov/document/document/short-district-office-directory-and-map/download
- Dekalb County Board of Health: https://www.dekalbhealth.net/
- Fulton County Board of Health: https://fultoncountyga.gov/monkeypoxoutbreak
Staff-Specific Topics
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Will I be paid if I must quarantine or isolate due to Monkeypox?
Please refer to Human Resources regarding leave benefits that may be used if you are required to quarantine or isolate due to Monkeypox.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
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What are the cleaning and disinfecting protocols extending beyond standard practices for cleaning in APS schools once a case of Monkeypox has been confirmed?
APS Facilities Department is notified to clean areas identified from the case investigation. Areas identified will be cleaned following EPA and CDC requirements for sanitizing our schools and work environments.
* Learn more about the chemicals we use to clean our buses and facilities by clicking on each for a detailed description:
ZEP Spirit II Disinfectant - Spartan Disinfectant - Betco ph7Q Disinfectant - Betco AF315 Disinfectant - Buckeye Eco Neutral Disinfectant - Bioesque Surface Disinfectant