Monkeypox Cases Increasing Globally and in the U.S.

PDI is actively monitoring the monkeypox situation as news continues to become available. Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that has recently been reported in several countries.  There are also emerging cases within the United States.  Since early May 2022¹, small clusters of monkeypox have been reported in the United Kingdom and other countries that don’t typically see the disease. This disease is caused by the monkeypox virus and is usually seen within Central and Western Africa.¹ Cases outside of Africa are typically caused by travel exposure or close contacts with travelers to Africa.¹ The first case in the U.S. was reported in Massachusetts on May 18^th after the individual returned from Canada.

As the information around monkeypox continues to evolve, facilities should take the opportunity to ensure that proper infection prevention practices are in place. Many products in our portfolio of Sani-Cloth® disinfectants have an Emerging Viral Pathogen claim and are effective against Monkeypox.¹

Transmission from Humans

Human-to-human transmission of the monkeypox virus occurs through close contact with large respiratory droplets from an infected individual, through direct contact with open lesions or body fluids, and through contact with surfaces/clothing that have been contaminated with lesion fluid.²

Prevention in Healthcare

Prevention measures for healthcare facilities include:³

• Implementing a combination of standard, contact, and droplet precautions with airborne precautions added, if necessary
• Proper use of personal protective equipment to include:
  • Disposable gloves and gown for patient contact
  • NIOSH-certified N95 (or comparable) respiratory device for long duration exposures
  • Use of eye protection (e.g., face shields or goggles) if medical procedures may lead to splashing or spraying of a patient’s body fluids
• Proper hand hygiene after all contact with an infected patient and/or their environment during care. Sani-Hands® Instant Hand Sanitizing Wipes are an ideal hand hygiene solution for staff, visitors, patients or residents
• Proper disposal of contaminated waste (e.g., dressings) in accordance with facility-specific guidelines for infectious waste
• Proper care when handling soiled laundry (e.g., bedding, towels, personal clothing) to avoid contact with lesion material; do not shake or otherwise aerosolize infectious particles
• Proper handling of used patient-care equipment to prevent contamination of skin and clothing; ensure used equipment surfaces have been cleaned with PDI Sani-Cloth disinfectants and reprocessed appropriately.
• Ensure procedures are in place for cleaning and disinfecting environmental surfaces in the patient care environment.   Many Sani-Cloth disinfectants are considered effective against the Monkeypox virus as they have the EPA Emerging Viral Pathogen claim.²