[CM] [PB] Playbook for Incident Response to Manage an Infectious Disease MPox Outbreak

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral infection that can cause various symptoms, including fever, rash, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

It is primarily spread through close contact with an infected person or animal.

The virus can also be transmitted through contaminated materials, such as bedding or clothing.

While most cases of Mpox are mild and resolve independently, severe illness can occur in some individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems.

Vaccination is available to prevent Mpox infection, and early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of symptoms.

Scenario: An Infectious Disease MPox Outbreak Affecting Your Organisation

Pre-Crisis: Managing An Infectious Disease MPox Outbreak

1. Risk Assessment and Preparedness

• Identify Vulnerabilities. Assess the organisation's population, facilities, and operations to identify potential vulnerabilities to a Mpox outbreak.
• Monitor Global Trends. Stay informed about the global spread of Mpox and assess the risk of local transmission.
• Develop Emergency Response Plans. Create detailed plans for various outbreak scenarios, including case identification, isolation, quarantine, and public health measures.
• Train Staff. Provide relevant staff members (e.g., healthcare providers, administrators, and security) training on Mpox prevention, detection, and response protocols.

2. Healthcare Infrastructure and Resources

• Assess Healthcare Capacity. Evaluate healthcare facilities, staff, and resources available to handle an outbreak.
• Establish Partnerships. Form partnerships with local health authorities, hospitals, and clinics to ensure coordinated response efforts.
• Secure Supplies. Procure necessary medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), testing kits, and medications.

3. Communication and Public Relations

• Develop a Communication Plan. Create a comprehensive communication plan to disseminate accurate information to students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
• Identify Key Spokespersons. Assign individuals responsible for communicating with the media and public during a crisis.
• Prepare Messaging. Develop key messages and talking points for scenarios such as confirmed cases, potential exposures, and preventive measures.

4. Public Health Measures

• Develop Prevention Guidelines. Create guidelines for preventive measures, including hand hygiene, social distancing, and respiratory etiquette.
• Promote Vaccination. Encourage vaccination among eligible individuals to reduce the risk of transmission.
• Coordinate with Local Health Authorities. Work closely with local health authorities to implement public health measures and align with community efforts.

5. Crisis Management Team

• Establish a Crisis Management Team. Create a multidisciplinary team to oversee the response to an outbreak.
• Assign Roles and Responsibilities. Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of team members.
• Develop Decision-Making Protocols. Establish protocols for decision-making and crisis communication.

By proactively addressing these areas, universities can better prepare for and manage a Mpox outbreak, minimising disruptions and protecting the health and well-being of the organisation.

Action Steps for During-Crisis or MPox Outbreak

1. Activate Emergency Response Plan

• Implement Contingency Plans. Immediately activate the pre-developed contingency plans tailored to the specific outbreak scenario.
• Coordinate with Health Authorities. Maintain close communication with local health authorities and follow their guidelines.
• Establish Incident Command. Implement an incident command structure to coordinate response efforts and ensure effective decision-making.

2. Case Identification and Isolation

• Implement Surveillance. Actively monitor for symptoms of Mpox among students, faculty, and staff.
• Conduct Testing. Test individuals with suspected cases to confirm diagnosis.
• Isolate Positive Cases. Isolate confirmed cases in accordance with public health guidelines to prevent further transmission.

3. Contact Tracing and Quarantine

• Identify Contacts. Conduct thorough contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed.
• Notify and Quarantine. Notify individuals at risk and recommend quarantine measures as appropriate.
• Provide Support. Offer support and resources to individuals in quarantine.

4. Public Health Measures

• Enforce Social Distancing. Implement social distancing measures, such as limiting gatherings and encouraging remote work.
• Promote Hygiene. Promote hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and cleaning and disinfection practices.
• Encourage Vaccination. Promote vaccination campaigns to increase immunity among eligible individuals.

5. Healthcare Provision

• Ensure Access to Care. Ensure access to healthcare services for individuals with symptoms or concerns.
• Manage Cases. Work with healthcare providers to manage cases and prevent complications.
• Coordinate with Hospitals. Coordinate with local hospitals to ensure adequate capacity for Mpox patients.

6. Crisis Communication

• Provide Timely Updates. Disseminate accurate and timely information to the campus community through various communication channels.
• Address Rumors and Misinformation. Counteract false or misleading information to prevent panic or confusion.
• Maintain Transparency. Be open and transparent about the university's actions and the situation.

7. Support Services

• Offer Counseling and Support. Provide mental health counselling and support services to individuals affected by the outbreak.
• Facilitate Access to Resources. Connect individuals with relevant resources, such as financial assistance or community support.
• Promote Self-Care. Encourage individuals to practice self-care and stress management techniques.

By following these steps, universities can effectively manage an Mpox outbreak, minimize disruptions, and protect the health and well-being of the campus community.

Action Steps for Post-Crisis or After the Outbreak

1. Evaluation and Debriefing

• Conduct a Thorough Review. Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the crisis response, including the plans' effectiveness, staff performance, and overall outcome.
• Identify Lessons Learned. Analyse the incident to identify areas for improvement and gain valuable insights for future crisis management.
• Debrief with Relevant Personnel. Conduct debriefings with key personnel involved in the response to gather feedback and address any concerns.

2. Follow-Up and Support

• Monitor for Recurrence. Monitor for any resurgence of the virus and implement appropriate measures if necessary.
• Provide Ongoing Support. Offer ongoing support to individuals affected by the outbreak, including mental health counselling and access to resources.
• Address Long-Term Effects. Be prepared to address the outbreak's long-term health effects or social consequences.

3. Update Emergency Response Plans

• Incorporate Lessons Learned. Incorporate the lessons learned from the outbreak into the university's emergency response plans.
• Review and Update Protocols. Review and update protocols for case identification, isolation, quarantine, and public health measures.
• Conduct Drills and Simulations. Conduct regular drills and simulations to test updated emergency response procedures.

4. Strengthen Public Health Measures

• Maintain Vigilance: Focus on public health measures, such as hand hygiene, social distancing, and vaccination.
• Promote Vaccination Campaigns. Encourage vaccination campaigns to maintain high levels of immunity.
• Collaborate with Public Health Authorities. Continue collaborating with local health authorities to implement effective public health strategies.

5. Community Engagement and Resilience

• Build Relationships. Strengthen relationships with community organizations and stakeholders.
• Foster Trust and Collaboration. Foster trust and collaboration among the campus community.
• Promote Resilience. Promote resilience and mental health support for students, faculty, and staff.

6. Lessons Learned and Future Preparedness

• Share Experiences. Share lessons learned with other institutions and organizations to improve preparedness for future outbreaks.
• Advocate for Policy Changes. Advocate for local, national, and international policy changes to enhance public health preparedness and response.

By carefully addressing these steps, universities can effectively recover from a Mpox outbreak, learn from the experience, and strengthen their capacity to manage future crises.

Summing Up ...

This playbook provides a comprehensive framework for managing a Mpox outbreak within an organisation. It outlines detailed steps to be taken before, during, and after a crisis to ensure the safety and well-being of the organisations.

Organisations should prepare before the outbreak by conducting risk assessments, developing emergency response plans, and training staff.

Organisations should activate emergency response plans during the outbreak, implement public health measures, and provide healthcare support. After the outbreak, organisations should evaluate the response, provide ongoing support, and update emergency response plans.

By following the guidelines outlined in this playbook, organisations can effectively manage Mpox outbreaks, minimise disruptions, and protect the health and well-being of their students, faculty, and staff.

More Information About Crisis Management Courses

To learn more about the course and schedule, click the buttons below for the  CM-300 Crisis Management Implementer [CM-3] and the CM-5000 Crisis Management Expert Implementer [CM-5].