EMPLOYERS were urged to take action to prevent the spread of a new strain of the Mpox virus yesterday, after the World Health Organisation declared a global emergency.

Campaigners and unions called for individual risk assessments for workers at greater risk from the virus, such as pregnant women and
immunocompromised people or those living with them.

Unison added in a new guide for union branches that it was crucial that employers work with reps to challenge “unfounded theories and irrational prejudices” that suggest certain groups are responsible for the spread of the virus.

Unison national secretary for business, community environment Donna Rowe-Merriman said: “Employers are urged to take action now to ensure all appropriate measures are in place to protect staff and the public across a wide range of sectors to prevent any future cases from spreading.”

Hazards Campaign chairwoman Janet Newsham said: “Some workers will be at a higher risk than others to infections like Mpox and not just those who work in healthcare.

“Workers are travelling globally with their jobs and some work closely with foreign tourists, workers and students, and as the disease spreads in our communities, the principles of infection control must apply equally to all workers. 

“We need employers to take a health and safety approach with preventative action and we need our enforcement authorities to ensure employers take a precautionary approach to this new danger.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said officials were preparing for any potential cases of the clade 1b strain, which emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year.

UKHSA deputy director Dr Meera Chand said: “The risk to the UK population is currently considered low. However, planning is under way to prepare for any cases that we might see.

“This includes ensuring that clinicians are aware and able to recognise cases promptly, that rapid testing is available, and that protocols are developed for the safe clinical care of people who have the infection and the prevention of onward transmission.”

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is passed on through close physical contact. The disease causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions and is usually mild, but can kill. 

The virus had previously been declared a public health emergency of international concern from July 2022 to May 2023 before a decline in cases.