Employers were urged to take immediate action to prevent the spread of a new strain of the Mpox virus yesterday, following the World Health Organisation’s declaration of a global emergency.
Campaigners and unions have called for individual risk assessments for workers who are at greater risk from the virus, such as pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and those living with them.
In a new guide for union branches, Unison stressed the importance of employers working closely with representatives to challenge “unfounded theories and irrational prejudices” that wrongfully attribute the spread of the virus to certain groups.
Unison’s national secretary for business, community, and environment, Donna Rowe-Merriman, stated: “Employers are urged to take action now to ensure all appropriate measures are in place to protect staff and the public across a wide range of sectors, preventing any future cases from spreading.”
Hazards Campaign chairwoman Janet Newsham added: “Some workers are at a higher risk of infection from viruses like Mpox, and this is not limited to healthcare workers alone.
“Many workers travel internationally for their jobs, and others work closely with foreign tourists, workers, and students. As the disease spreads within our communities, the principles of infection control must be uniformly applied to all workers.
“We need employers to adopt a health and safety approach with preventative measures in place, and we require our enforcement authorities to ensure employers take a precautionary approach to this emerging threat.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced that officials are preparing for any potential cases of the clade 1b strain, which emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year.
Dr Meera Chand, UKHSA’s deputy director, said: “The risk to the UK population is currently considered low. However, preparations are being made to manage any cases that might arise.
“This includes ensuring that clinicians are well-informed and able to promptly identify cases, providing rapid testing, and developing protocols for the safe clinical care of those infected, as well as preventing further transmission.”
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is transmitted through close physical contact. The disease causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, and while it is usually mild, it can be fatal.
The virus was previously declared a public health emergency of international concern from July 2022 to May 2023 before the number of cases declined.
