What is Mpox? Understanding the Virus, Symptoms, Guidance & Prevention

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a rare viral infection that can affect both humans and animals.

Since 2022, there has been an increase in Mpox cases worldwide, making it a global health concern. Mpox can be spread by close physical contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces. Although Mpox isn’t as contagious as other viral diseases, it’s a concern in settings where close contact is common, such as workplaces, households and healthcare facilities.

Transmission can also occurs via animals through bites, scratches, or direct contact with infected animals.

Below are some symptoms of Mpox

Fever
Headache and muscle aches
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes
Rash: A distinctive rash follows initial symptoms, typically spreading from the face to other body parts. The rash progresses through several stages and can result in scarring.

Mpox symptoms appear 5 to 21 days post-exposure and last 2 to 4 weeks.

While Mpox is generally mild, it can lead to complications like bacterial infections, pneumonia, or even encephalitis in vulnerable populations, such as children or those with weakened immune systems.

Below are some of the most recent published stats

In 2023 and 2024 (up to 31 August 2024), there have been a total of 326 cases of Mpox reported in the UK. Of these, 306 were in England (137 cases were presumed to have acquired Mpox in the UK, 96 were acquired outside the UK and 73 are awaiting classification)

Guidance on what to do if there is an out break in your workplace

Develop or update policies on infection control measures (e.g., hygiene protocols, sick leave, flexible working conditions).
Risk Assessment in place ensure there is information available in the workplace communicating measures such as social distancing, sanitation, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Encourage employees to report any symptoms immediately and seek medical evaluation.
Ensure communication materials, such as posters and emails, include information on how to identify Mpox symptoms, steps to report illness, and preventative measures.
Send home any employees showing symptoms or having confirmed Mpox cases. Ensure that they do not return to the workplace until cleared by healthcare providers.
Usually individuals need to quarantine (isolate from others) for 2-4 weeks.
Increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, desks, shared tools, and restrooms.
Provide hand sanitizing stations and ensure hand-washing facilities are fully stocked
Enhance ventilation in closed spaces, where possible, to reduce the risk of airborne transmission.
Encourage remote work for employees who can perform their duties from home.
Offer flexible working hours or staggered shifts to reduce the number of employees in the workplace at any given time.
Offer emotional and psychological support through employee assistance programs (EAP) to help workers deal with stress or anxiety caused by the outbreak. Please see our EAP offering – https://cravenconsultancyservices.co.uk/our-services/hr-services/employee-assistance-programme-eap/

Global Response and Public Health Initiatives

As Mpox continues to pose a public health challenge, organisations like the WHO and CDC remain vigilant. Efforts in 2024 focus on vaccination, enhanced surveillance, and awareness campaigns to help contain outbreaks and minimize transmission.

Staying informed and practicing preventive measures is essential for minimizing Mpox’s impact, as health experts work to better understand and manage this infectious disease.

Need help with this guidance? We can help you and your workplaces by ensuring you have the correct procedures in place. By developing tailored health protocols, conducting risk assessments, and creating clear response plans to prevent and manage. Additionally we can help with policy updates, communication strategies, and employee support programs to ensure compliance with health regulations and maintain a safe workplace environment.