The following message is from Sheridan Preparatory Academy Principal Zuleika Sanchez-Gayle:

I am writing to let you know that a member of the Sheridan Preparatory Academy community has exhibited symptoms of the monkeypox virus and has been tested.

This individual was last in the building Friday. After this potential case was reported to us late in the day Monday, out of an abundance of caution our maintenance staff conducted deep cleaning Monday night in the impacted portions of the building. This work was done in alignment with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If this individual’s test results are positive, the City School District of Albany, in accordance with the Albany County Health Department, will conduct all appropriate contact tracing. We will provide notification to all individuals who are determined to have come in contact with this person. Our health services staff has indicated test results may be available by the end of this week.

Symptoms

According to the CDC, people with monkeypox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth.

The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

Other symptoms of monkeypox can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion
• Muscle aches and backache
• Headache
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

If you or your child experience any of the symptoms associated with monkeypox, please contact your healthcare provider immediately. Students or employees experiencing any of these symptoms should stay home. 

If you have any additional questions, please visit the CDC website or contact me at (518) 475-6850 or zsanchez@albany.k12.ny.us.