The following is information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). People experiencing homelessness are often at greater risk of infectious disease, which also increases the risk for service providers.
Protocol for Monkeypox (MPX) Prevention in Congregate Settings: Congregate Living Settings | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC
Protocol for Monkeypox exposure: Monitoring People Who Have Been Exposed | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC
Infection Control in Healthcare Settings: Infection Control: Healthcare Settings | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC
Recommendations:
- Ensure that individuals who test positive for MPX or are symptomatic for MPX are isolated away from other residents and your teams.
- Equip all staff with the proper PPE (see below)
- Ensure all staff is aware of what constitutes an exposure, so you may follow up appropriately.
Proper PPE:
- If conducting aerosolizing procedures (including some Medication Assisted Treatments), recommend N95 (or equivalent respirator) and eye protection.
- Gloves and gown may be considered, as an ungloved encounter between patient’s lesion and/or mucus membrane would be considered a high degree of exposure.
- In general, recommend skin coverage – long sleeves, long pants, etc.
According to CDC: “Healthcare workers who have unprotected exposures (i.e., not wearing PPE) to patients with monkeypox do not need to be excluded from work duty, but should undergo active surveillance for symptoms, which includes measurement of temperature at least twice daily for 21 days following the exposure. Prior to reporting for work each day, the healthcare worker should be interviewed regarding evidence of fever or rash.”
