Reducing The Risk of Infection in People
Reducing The Risk of Infection in People
Reducing The Risk of Infection in People
During human monkeypox outbreaks, close contact with other patients is the most significant risk factor
for monkeypox virus infection. In the absence of specific treatment or vaccine, the only way to reduce
infection in people is by raising awareness of the risk factors and educating people about the measures
they can take to reduce exposure to the virus. Surveillance measures and rapid identification of new
cases is critical for outbreak containment.
Health-care workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed monkeypox virus infection, or
handling specimens from them, should implement standard infection control precautions.
Healthcare workers and those treating or exposed to patients with monkeypox or their samples should
consider being immunized against smallpox through their national health authorities. Older smallpox
vaccines should not be administered to people with comprised immune systems.
Samples taken from people and animals with suspected monkeypox virus infection should be handled by
trained staff working in suitably equipped laboratories. Transporting of patient specimens should ensure
safe packaging and follow guidelines for infectious substances.
Captive animals that are potentially infected with monkeypox should be isolated from other animals and
placed into immediate quarantine. Any animals that might have come into contact with an infected
animal should be quarantined, handled with standard precautions and observed for monkeypox
symptoms for 30 days.