Health updates

Earlham College is committed to keeping our campus and surrounding community safe as we continue to carry out our educational mission.

The information within these webpages is updated as new developments arise. Major changes are announced to students and employees via email in addition to being added to this page. 

COVID-19

Mask optional: Earlham is currently mask optional, although masks may be required in the case of large indoor gatherings and/or changing governmental health advisories. Masks are encouraged at large indoor gatherings. In classrooms, faculty and students will determine whether to mask.

The health and safety of our community continues to be a priority. Our remarkably high vaccination and booster rate make our mask-optional approach possible. For COVID-19, we have moved from a pandemic response to an endemic response Earlham will continue to monitor local trends of viral spread and respond accordingly.

Supportive community: Please be respectful and supportive of those who continue to wear masks. Each member of our community approaches masking from a different perspective—they may have an at-risk family member, a young and unvaccinated child at home, or another personal or health-related reason for continued mask use.

Vaccination required: All students and employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with the exception of those with documented medical or religious exemptions. If you are eligible for a booster, please follow the medical guidance suitable for your age and underlying health considerations. If you have not done so, please share vaccination and booster documentation:

• Employees should upload documentation on the Employee vaccination record submission page.
• Students should email their vaccination documentation to [email protected].

Testing: Please be mindful of any COVID-related symptoms. Students should consult with Health Services if they need testing. Self-tests and Wayne County Health Department are also testing options, and we encourage you to order free self-tests at www.covid.gov/tests. We will not require reporting of test results as we expect those within our community to act with the best interests of all in mind.

Monkeypox

Recently the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern. Monkeypox can spread through several pathways, including intimate contact (kissing, cuddling, and sex); direct contact with infectious rashes, scabs, or body fluids; and touching items (linens and clothing) previously touched by a person with monkeypox. While those currently at highest risk are men who have sex with men (98 percent of cases to date), anyone can be infected with monkeypox if exposed to the virus. While there are no known cases of monkeypox on campus, we are preparing for the possibility of a case. Below, you will find information and resources regarding monkeypox, as well as information on how Earlham is preparing to respond in the event of cases on campus.

What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is caused by an infection with the monkeypox virus. It is part of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox symptoms may start like the flu, with fever, low energy, swollen lymph nodes and general body aches. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after appearance of fever, the person can develop a rash or sores.

People with monkeypox may experience all or only a few of these symptoms. Most people with monkeypox will develop the rash or sores.

How is monkeypox spread? Monkeypox spreads primarily through direct contact with rash, scabs or body fluids. Monkeypox can spread through touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched infectious body fluids. It can also be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged face to face contact or during intimate physical contact. Monkeypox is not spread through casual brief conversations or walking by someone with monkeypox.

Is there a vaccine? Yes, there is a vaccine to help protect against monkeypox when given before or shortly after an exposure and for high-risk individuals. Vaccines are currently available at physician’s offices and local health departments within driving distance of campus, in Indianapolis and Muncie. But availability is subject to change daily. (The IDOH has made a form available for those who would like more information about monkeypox and vaccination.) Additionally, for immunocompromised individuals or others at high risk, antiviral medications are available through physicians and local health departments. For more information regarding vaccination, contact Health Services at 765-983-1328.

What should you do if you have had an exposure or symptoms? Please contact Earlham Health Services. Students can schedule an appointment through Medicat or call the office at 765-983-1328 (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed 1-2 p.m. for lunch). Health Services can assist you in getting treatment. Staff and faculty will need to contact their primary healthcare provider.

How is the campus responding? Earlham Health Services is working in conjunction with our campus Housekeeping, Wayne County Health Department and Indiana State Department of Health to continue to monitor the outbreak closely and is taking the necessary steps to ensure the health, well-being and safety of our campus. Isolation spaces have been set aside for students living on campus who contract monkeypox and need to self-isolate until the infectious period has passed.

We understand that news of a new infectious disease on top of the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic can be concerning and result in feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Campus mental health resources are available through Earlham Counseling Services and Health Services. Faculty and staff may seek EAP resources through Human Resources.

We will continue to monitor the situation and data as needed. For additional information, you may visit the following websites:

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html
• Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH): https://www.in.gov/health/erc/infectious-disease-epidemiology/diseases-and-conditions-resource-page/monkeypox/