Sarah Dennis, head of international, Towergate Health & Protection says, “We recommend that businesses review their policies for infection and pandemic. It is important to make sure that preparations and guidance are in place, so employees know the most appropriate course of action, and the business can offer support and assistance quickly.”
Current situation
The current outbreak of MPOX is a new strain called Clade 1b: a mutation of the virus that is very infectious and therefore spreads very quickly. Although most cases are mild or moderate, occasionally the disease is severe. Clade 1b has a higher mortality rate than the Clade 2 outbreak in 2022.
There is currently an upsurge of cases and rapid spread of MPOX in Africa, with most infections in Dominican Republic of Congo. It has since spread to at least 13 neighbouring African countries, including previously unaffected nations like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. There are also cases now in Pakistan and Sweden.
Severity
Most people recover from MPOX with no lasting issues. Healing generally takes around two to four weeks. However, anyone who is malnourished or has a compromised immune system may be at risk of severe disease.
Spread
MPOX spreads from human to human through close contact with an infected person, including through skin-to-skin contact and indirectly through contaminated objects such as bedding or utensils.
Anyone can catch MPOX. However, those at higher risk include healthcare workers and the household members and close contacts of someone infected.
Treatment
For most people, the infection is mild to moderate, so treatment is mainly supportive, to relieve symptoms and manage complications. Antiviral medications are available in some countries.
Steps employers need to take:
Organisations need to take this opportunity to review their preparedness, employees will look to their employers for guidance: vigilance, awareness and education are key.
- It’s important to learn from previous pandemics such as Covid-19, focusing on prevention, with good health practices, including good hand hygiene. Close contact with an infected person or any suspected cases should be avoided.
- Vaccinations are available, but not everywhere. They won’t be necessary for everyone but may be recommended for those at increased risk or exposed to the virus, and some sources are recommending vaccination before travelling, especially to higher risk areas.
- There is currently no suggestion that travel to or from Africa (or any other regions) should be avoided. However, big gatherings in affected areas have been advised against.
- Guidance is updated regularly. For the latest guidance, employers need to refer to reputable public health sources, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (Europe CDC), and the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO).
- Take advice and guidance from international health and wellbeing advisers, particularly companies with employees working in high-risk regions.
Sarah Dennis says: “It is vital for employers to refer to reputable sources in light of the MPOX outbreak and take advice from local and international health and wellbeing specialists. These situations can change rapidly, so it’s vital to keep up to date.”
