With rising cases of monkeypox being identified throughout the U.S. LeadingAge Kansas felt it was relevant to provide members with a brief education on monkeypox transmission and response if there are cases identified among staff or residents. Monkeypox Basics:
- Monkeypox is generally spread by prolonged intimate contact with someone that is infected with monkeypox.
- If a LTC provider has concerns about a potential case of monkeypox among their residents, they should immediately place the resident into contact precautions (use of PPE includes gown, gloves, eye protection and N95 or higher-level respirator). In addition, providers should contact their local public health department, or IDPH nurse clinician to determine procedures for testing.
- If a resident requires an aerosolizing procedure (such as intubation, nebulizer treatments, CPR) an AIIR room is required.
- If a resident has been exposed to someone with monkeypox, they should isolate the individual for a period of 21-days following the exposure.
- The duration of isolation precautions should be determined based on consultation with local public health.
If a staff member is suspected to have monkeypox, the individual should be removed from work pending diagnosis and follow-up with local public health on determination of when the staff member can return to work.
Members can find additional guidance on the CDC’s monkeypox website Information For Healthcare Professionals | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC.
If you have a suspected monkeypox on your campus, Senior KDHE Epidemiologist Justin Blanding encourages you to call the 24/7 KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317 option 5 and they can assist with testing coordination at their lab.
Information about obtaining and using TPOXX (Tecovirimat) for Monkeypox
