Monkeypox Virus Infection Resulting from an Occupational Needlestick - Florida, 2022

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Occupational Health
• Virology

Background:

• Monkeypox virus (MPXV) infections in healthcare personnel (HCP) are rare during the 2022 multinational outbreak.
• Previous reports of occupational MPXV acquisition in HCP are limited.
• The Florida Department of Health reported a case of MPXV in a nurse following occupational exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the first reported U.S. case of occupationally acquired monkeypox in a healthcare worker.
• To recommend strategies for preventing MPXV infections among HCP.
• To inform public health responses to occupational MPXV transmission.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing an occupational exposure event.
• Review of MPXV transmission dynamics in healthcare settings.
• Analysis of preventive measures implemented for the reported case.

Main Results:

• The first documented U.S. case of monkeypox acquired occupationally by a nurse was reported in August 2022.
• The exposure occurred while providing care to a patient with MPXV.
• This event underscores the potential for occupational transmission of MPXV.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare personnel are at risk of acquiring monkeypox through occupational exposure.
• Implementing robust infection control and prevention strategies is crucial for protecting HCP.
• Further research and guidelines are needed to minimize occupational MPXV transmission.