The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that a Penn State student tested positive for monkeypox on August 13. According to a release, the patient lives off campus and “has been seen by health care providers, and is currently isolating and recovering.”

Contact tracing through the PDOH identified and notified individuals in close contact with the student.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), monkeypox is a viral infection that is spread through direct contact with infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backaches, swollen lymph nodes, chill, respiratory symptoms, and pimple or blister-like rashes. Monkeypox is rarely fatal.

University Health Services (UHS) is advising students who develop monkeypox symptoms to schedule an appointment or call the 24/7 Advice Nurse. Students with an active rash or symptoms are advised to self-isolate and stay in a separate room when possible.

As of 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 17, the CDC reported 362 cases of monkeypox in Pennsylvania.