Mpox in Vietnam: What Workers and Businesses Need to Know

As mpox cases continue to rise in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s essential for workers and businesses to stay informed and take appropriate precautions. With 56 confirmed cases reported between September 23 and October 31, 2023, the situation calls for vigilance, especially as Ho Chi Minh City emerges as the most affected area. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your workplace in the face of this public health concern.

Understanding Mpox and Its Spread

Mpox, a viral disease related to smallpox, is known for causing flu-like symptoms and painful skin lesions. In recent years, it has spread globally, with new variants, such as Clade Ib, emerging in regions where the virus was previously not endemic. This variant has been particularly concerning due to its ability to spread through close contact, including sexual transmission.

In Vietnam, the majority of cases have been concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City, but other areas such as Dong Nai, Lam Dong, Long An, and Binh Duong have also reported cases. With disease surveillance and contact tracing ongoing, it’s likely that more cases will be identified in the coming weeks.

What Businesses Should Do?

For businesses operating in Vietnam, maintaining a safe environment for employees and customers is crucial. Here are key steps to consider:

• Enhance Hygiene Practices: Ensure that your workplace maintains high standards of cleanliness. Regularly disinfect communal areas, especially high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, elevator buttons, and shared equipment. Provide hand sanitizers and encourage frequent handwashing among employees.

• Educate Employees: Awareness is the first line of defence. Educate your workforce about mpox, its symptoms, and how it spreads. Clear communication can help prevent panic and encourage employees to take appropriate precautions.

• Monitor Employee Health: Encourage employees to report any symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or skin lesions immediately. Implement policies that allow employees to stay home if they are unwell, to prevent potential outbreaks in the workplace.

• Implement Remote Work Policies: If feasible, consider allowing employees to work remotely, especially if they are in affected areas or have been in contact with confirmed cases. This can help reduce the risk of mpox spreading within your business.

• Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and World Health Organization (WHO) to stay informed about the latest developments in the mpox situation. Being well-informed will help you make timely decisions to protect your business and employees.

Protecting Yourself and Your Family

For workers, taking personal precautions is just as important:

• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being in public spaces. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Avoid High-Risk Situations: Minimise close contact with individuals who are unwell or showing symptoms of mpox. This is particularly important in densely populated areas where the virus may spread more easily.

• Seek Medical Attention: If you develop symptoms such as a rash, fever, or muscle aches, seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing the spread of mpox.

• Stay Informed About Vaccination: Although mass vaccination is not yet widely available, staying informed about any upcoming vaccination campaigns in Vietnam is important. If you belong to a high-risk group, consider getting vaccinated when it becomes available.

Moving Forward

The rise of mpox cases in Vietnam, particularly in urban areas like Ho Chi Minh City, underscores the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures. By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, both workers and businesses can help mitigate the spread of this disease and protect public health.

For the latest updates and guidelines on mpox, regularly check the Ministry of Health’s official website and the World Health Organization’s mpox resource page for global updates and preventive measures. Stay informed, stay safe, and together, we can navigate this public health challenge effectively.

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Reference Links:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38304759/

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/mpox/global-mpox-trends-reveal-hot-spots-africa-europe-americas

https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/response/2022/world-map.html

https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2023/11/vietnam-confirmed-monkeypox-mpox-cases-reported-in-multiple-areas-especially-ho-chi-minh-city-in-november-update-1

https://www.science.org/content/article/rattled-mpox-surge-africa-who-declares-global-health-emergency-again

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772707624000031

https://en.vietnamplus.vn/cambodia-logs-12-cases-of-monkeypox-post279548.vnp