(IUF.ORG) The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that Mpox remains “a public health emergency of international concern”. The warning comes as cases of Mpox surge around the globe.
While the outbreak is centred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an increase in cases has been reported in every WHO region; Mpox is being transmitted around the world through international travel.
- In response to the WHO identifying hotel workers as at risk, the IUF has produced a safety guide for hotel workers so that they can protect themselves and guests from infection. The guide is available in English, French and Spanish
- A person infected with Mpox can transmit the disease while staying in accommodation for example through contaminated bed linen
- As the climate crisis intensifies and conflict increases, infectious diseases, including zoonotic diseases, have become a major occupational health and safety hazard
- The IUF will participate in negotiations at the 2025 International Labour Conference to conclude much need international labour standards on biological hazards in the working environment.
“It is important for hotel workers to understand the risks and manage the hazard when mpox is present, through a hierarchy of hazard control approach. We hope this leaflet will help them to do that,” said Kristjan Bragason, Acting General Secretary.
