Robbinsdale Area Schools

What families need to know about monkeypox

What families need to know about monkeypox

With monkeypox in the news, we know students and families may be concerned about the national outbreak and how it could affect our schools. So far, while there have been few confirmed cases of monkeypox in children, anyone can get monkeypox and it is a public health concern for all. It is not a disease experienced only by members of specific communities. 

On Aug. 4, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared monkeypox a public health emergency. Its symptoms include a blister-like rash, congestion, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. 

While monkeypox is a serious illness and we need to take precautions, it is important to note that it is different from COVID-19: it does not appear to spread nearly as easily. It does spread through person-to-person physical contact and by coming into contact with items or surfaces that have been touched by an infected person’s rash. 

To prevent the spread of communicable viruses like COVID-19 and monkeypox, in Robbinsdale Area Schools we continue to: 

  • Remind students and staff about the importance of proper handwashing, and provide hand sanitizer throughout our buildings.
  • Ask students and staff to self-monitor for symptoms of illness. If they are feeling sick, they should stay home from school. If they are experiencing symptoms of infectious diseases, they should consult a healthcare professional right away and notify the school office.
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in all schools daily. 

If there is a confirmed case of monkeypox in a school or classroom, we will notify families as soon as possible. Anyone who has the illness will be asked to stay home until they are no longer experiencing symptoms, per CDC guidelines.

Thank you for your support as we work to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for our students and staff. If you have any questions, please contact Kelsey Ward at 763-504-8187 or  Kelsey_Ward@rdale.org.