Employer Response to the Monkeypox Outbreak
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director-General has declared the ongoing monkeypox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and the Biden administration has declared the ongoing spread of monkeypox virus in the United States a Public Health Emergency (PHE). In the United States, as of August 3, 2022, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 6,326 confirmed cases of monkeypox. Employers should consider educating their employees about monkeypox and taking proactive steps to diminish the potential impact of monkeypox in the workplace. Here are the basics:
According to the CDC, monkeypox is spread through:
1. Direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs, or bodily fluids;
2. Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact;
3. Touching objects or fabrics (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the rash or body fluids of someone with monkeypox;
4. Being scratched or bitten by an animal infected with the virus.
Symptoms of monkeypox infection can include a rash that can look like blisters (that may be located on or near the genitals, hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth), fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and respiratory systems (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough). The incubation period (interval from infection to onset of symptoms) can last up to 21 days. The illness generally lasts between two to four weeks.
The CDC recommends that individuals who are identified as having monkeypox isolate away from all other individuals until they are fully recovered. Similarly, individuals who have had close contact to the virus should monitor themselves for the 21-day incubation period.
What Can Employers Do? Monkeypox can affect anyone, and is a public health concern for all. If you choose to inform your employees about the approaches they can take to to prevent the spread of monkeypox, ensure that the message is fact-based and does not stigmatize or marginalize any particular groups of people or communities. The CDC’s resource entitled “Reducing Stigma in Monkeypox Communication and Community Engagement” is a helpful resource for employers. The WHO and the CDC also offer the following information:
1. People who live with or have close contact with someone who has monkeypox, or with animals that could be infected, are the most at risk for catching monkeypox.
2. Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox, and do not share eating utensils or cups with someone with monkeypox symptoms.
3. Individuals who are aware they have been in close contact with someone with monkeypox should monitor for symptoms up to 21 days after exposure. Individuals who have confirmed monkeypox should isolate at home until their symptoms have dissipated and any rash has fully healed, and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
4. Individuals should continue to follow hygiene protocols and frequently wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
5. Monkeypox is genetically similar to smallpox; thus, it is currently believed that smallpox vaccines can be used to provide some protection against monkeypox. The CDC recommends vaccination for people exposed to monkeypox and those who are at higher risk of exposure.
Consider whether your company’s current COVID-19 pandemic safety protocols or related infectious disease policies will require expansion, to address monkeypox. Keep in mind that employers must always comply with applicable FMLA, ADA and OSHA state and local standards and requirements in responding to both cases of employee monkeypox and employee exposure to monkeypox. HR should also ensure that any information received from an employee regarding that employee’s potential or actual monkeypox exposure, symptoms, or medical examinations are treated as confidential medical records. Since monkeypox may involve a longer recovery period, review your company’s sick leave policies to ensure compliance with all applicable laws. Provide time off for testing and immunization, as appropriate. And remind employees about relevant leave policies: a flexible, non-punitive approach helps to promote and preserve workplace health and safety and prevent the spread of infection.