As we prepare for the start of another school year and the potential for another pandemic that may seriously impact college campuses, I am interested in hearing if anyone is making policy, handling, or other preparations for potential impacts of monkeypox? While I am mostly interested in hearing about collection focused policies (requiring gloves for handling recently returned materials, disinfectant routines for returns, additional custodial services for seating and work areas), I would be happy to hear any steps that libraries or other campuses are taking to protect their communities.
For background, I recommend looking over the CDC's webpage as a starting place:
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox. At this point, the research indicates that the primary methods of transmission are:
- Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
- Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
- Contact with respiratory secretions.
It is this second method that I am most professionally concerned with, as research indicates that porous surfaces (such as textiles) that have been contaminated with monkeypox may remain infectious for up to/over 15 days.
Sorry to have to ask these questions, but I appreciate anything that you can share about your institution's preparations.
Sincerely,
Fletcher