It seems pretty unreasonable to be on the cusp of another viral outbreak considering that COVID-19 is hardly behind us. Read on for how to prevent the spread of monkeypox in your facility.
Since we’re still adjusting to the “new normal” of a world where COVID-19 continues to evolve and impact our lives, it seems pretty unreasonable to be on the cusp of another viral outbreak. But here we are, facing the uncertainty of Monkeypox. Monkeypox is a viral disease that currently has over 3500 confirmed cases in the US. Not much is known yet about the potential scope of the disease, but the past few years of COVID has given us some good tools to be ready for it. Read on for some tips to prevent the spread of monkeypox in your facility.
Understand As Much As We Can
As with all potential hazards in the workplace, making sure that everyone on your staff is fully informed of the hazard and precautionary measures as possible is key. We are still in a place where people are fully focused on COVID and some may not have even heard of Monkeypox. Take the time to educate your workers about the disease and make sure that you’re staying on top of the latest news and research. So far, the WHO believes that monkeypox can be spread through contact with contaminated material or by contact with an infected person or animal. Symptoms of monkeypox includes a blistery rash, fever and chills, headache, muscle and back ache, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period for monkeypox appears to be up to 21 days, and the illness lasts 2-4 weeks.
Recognize And Diagnose
The ability to recognize the symptoms of an illness in the workplace is key to catching it early and (in the case of viruses) limiting spread. Make sure that your employees all know the major symptoms of monkeypox and can recognize them in themselves. Implement a policy that not only allows but encourages people to stay home if they feel ill. If an individual has had an exposure to a confirmed case, they should closely monitor their own health for at least 21 days and report any related symptoms. Testing for monkeypox is available.
Expand COVID Protocols
Many of the OCVID-19 protocols established over the past three years will also help limit the spread of monkeypox. The best thing that employers can do is expand the language in those policies to include monkeypox so that employees are able and encouraged to actually stay home and limit the spread if they are ill. Since monkeypox is most easily spread by physical contact, make sure that your COVID policies also cover limiting physical contact in the workplace.
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