Any student who suspects they have monkeypox should call our Student Health & Well-Being nurse line at 410-516-5709, seven days a week, between 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Testing Information 

Currently, the tests for monkeypox infection rely on swabbing areas of the body where there is a rash or lesions; there are no “asymptomatic” tests. Researchers are still trying to understand whether individuals without lesions are infectious, whether the virus can be spread through bodily fluids, and the extent of spread from respiratory secretions.

We are prepared to test any Johns Hopkins student in the Baltimore area, including those from schools that normally don’t have access to student health clinics.

We do not have capability to test students in Washington, D.C.; those students should call their primary health care provider or go to urgent care. SAIS students in Washington, D.C., can utilize the Georgetown Student Health Center, which has the capability to do monkeypox testing if indicated.

If You Test Positive

Isolation Requirements

Students who have signs and symptoms suggestive of monkeypox will be asked to isolate until they receive the results of their monkeypox test. It typically takes a day or two to receive results. 

For Residential Students

Given the potential length of the isolation period and the care needed for those who are infected, residential students who have monkeypox will need to move out of campus residence halls during their isolation period.

Students are encouraged to move home for the duration of the isolation period. Student Affairs can assist students in this process and help identify options if students are unable to return home due to safety or other considerations; contact covidsupport@jhu.edu for more information. The university does not maintain off-campus housing available for residential students for the duration of isolation.

Supportive Care Measures 

Nurses will follow-up via phone on a regular basis with students who have monkeypox. Students can also request in-person or telemedicine visits with Student Health & Well-Being providers if needed. Clinicians will work with students to address their symptoms, which can include painful rash or lesions, and provide treatment when applicable. Tecovirimat (TPOXX) may be available for individuals who have monkeypox. If clinically indicated, Student Health & Wellness Center or University Health Services clinicians will contact the Baltimore City Health Department and submit required paperwork to the CDC in an effort to obtain TPOXX for patients.

Academic Progress

The ability of students who have monkeypox and need to isolate to continue to make academic progress will vary by individual programs and circumstances. It may be necessary for students to take incomplete marks or medical leaves of absence. Students will be connected with appropriate Student Affairs staff to receive support and resource referrals pertaining to their needs, including academic concerns and communication with course instructors.