As Mpox becomes a growing concern worldwide, it’s important to understand the potential health risks it poses to hospitality businesses and its guests. Recently, the viral illness Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) has re-emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly in Africa, where it has been declared a public health emergency. In this blog, we will provide key information about Mpox, its symptoms, how it spreads, and what steps your business can take to minimise the risk.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a rare viral infection, similar to smallpox, though typically and can spread from person to person, as well as through contact with infected animals or contaminated materials. Cases have been reported across the world recently, making it important to be vigilant.
What Are the Symptoms of Mpox?
Symptoms of Mpox typically appear within 5 to 21 days after exposure and include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills and exhaustion
- Joint pain
- A rash that may start on the face and spread to other parts of the body, including the hands and feet. The rash progresses through several stages, including blistering and scabbing.
This rash is a key feature and can be mistaken for other skin conditions like chicken pox.
How to minimise risk
There are a number of actions you can take to minimise the risk of Mpox transmission in your business:
- Enhanced cleaning protocols: Increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, particularly in high-touch areas such as door handles, tables, countertops, and toilet facilities. Use disinfectants that are effective against viruses.
- Customer and staff health monitoring: Encourage staff to monitor both their health and that of customers closely and report any symptoms of Mpox immediately. Consider implementing health checks for employees at the start of each shift.
- Protective measures for staff: Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks for staff, especially those who are cleaning rooms or handling linens. Ensure that staff are trained on the correct use of PPE.
- Communication and signage: Place signage in common areas reminding guests and staff about the importance of hand hygiene and reporting symptoms. Clearly communicate your health and safety protocols to guests upon check-in and throughout their stay.
- Stay informed and compliant: Regularly update your knowledge by following the latest guidance from public health authorities like the World Health Organisation (WHO), and local public health departments. Ensure your business complies with all recommended practices.
What to Do If You Suspect a Case
If a customer or staff member shows symptoms of Mpox, it’s crucial to act quickly. Isolate the individual, contact local health authorities, and follow their instructions. Thoroughly clean and disinfect any areas the person has been in and ensure that those who had close contact are informed and monitored.
For more detailed information, please refer to the resources below:
Useful Resources
- UK Government: Mpox (monkeypox): Background Information
- NHS: Mpox Information
- WHO: Mpox Overview
At Shield Safety, we’re committed to making every day safer for your business. Whether you’re a current client or new to us, our expertise, including helping you gain Safe to Trade certification, ensures you can manage health risks effectively. Reach out today to learn how we can support your safety and help your business thrive.
