09 August 2022
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart
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On August 4, 2022, the Biden administration declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency. This comes at a time when the number of cases in the United States is rapidly increasing, and cases are being detected in almost every state. This statement primarily concerns testing and vaccination. The government’s focus on vaccination has been aimed primarily at healthcare workers treating monkeypox patients and men who have sex with men. The declaration follows the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration last month of monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern.
Information regarding the workplace is still somewhat limited. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with monkeypox remain isolated at home or elsewhere during the illness, which can usually last two to four weeks.
It is not yet known whether monkeypox can be spread through respiratory secretions. Accordingly, a well-fitting mask and frequent hand washing are likely important preventive measures.
Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
- by direct contact with a monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox;
- by touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox; and
- possibly through contact with respiratory secretions.
Employers may wish to educate their employees about monkeypox, including that employees who have concerns should consult their doctors or health department and may wish to ask about testing and vaccination. Employers may also consider how they will deal with absences of up to one month if telecommuting is not possible and/or when telecommuting is possible. Knowledge is often the way to avoid panic in the workplace, and both the CDC and WHO have excellent fact sheets on their websites. State health agencies will likely have them as well.
It may also be worth considering how to protect employees who are required to handle bedding used by others, people who are often in close contact with others for extended periods, or who come into close physical contact with others . For example, in its guidelines for monkeypox collection, the CDC recommends wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when cleaning an area where a person with monkeypox has spent time.
The CDC also stated in its guidelines for monkeypox collection settings that “[e]employers must comply [the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s] standards for bloodborne pathogens…, PPE…, respiratory protection… and other requirements, including those established by state plans where these requirements apply.”
Public health officials stress the fact that anyone can get monkeypox. The current epidemic is most prevalent among men who have sex with men, but it can spread to anyone. Employers may want to remain alert to any harassment or discrimination in the workplace as a result of misinformation about the disease.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide on the subject. Specialist advice should be sought regarding your particular circumstances.
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