For Clinical and Laboratory Staff
Providers should reference CDC guidance on Clinical Recognition if they suspect mpox. Follow this guidance to collect samples and refer to NDHHS for testing. Clinicians should use standard droplet precautions when assessing all diseases of possible infectious etiology and refer to PPE appropriate for mpox for themselves and their staff.
Prevention in Health Care Setting
Patients with suspected or confirmed mpox should be placed in a single-person room, with a dedicated bathroom and minimal transfer of patient and personnel in or out of the room. If a patient needs to be transported outside of their room, they should wear a well-fitting mask and have skin lesions covered by a sheet or gown.
Negative pressure isolation is typically not necessary, although procedures that are likely to aerosolize viral particles (such as intubation or extubation) should be performed in an airborne infection isolation room and/or with PPE appropriate to safeguard all exposed staff to potentially aerosolized particles.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE used by healthcare personnel who enter the patient’s room should include:
- Gown
- Gloves
- Eye protection (i.e., goggles or a face shield that covers the front and sides of the face)
- NIOSH-approved particulate respirator equipped with N95 filters or higher
Treatment
Mpox illness is typically self-limited and does not require hospitalization. For those that experience severe disease or at high risk for severe disease, medical countermeasures are available for treatment of mpox through the strategic national stockpile. Providers should contact NDHHS Disease Control Section at (701) 328-2378 to arrange delivery and use of antivirals.
Treatment Information for Healthcare Professionals
Mpox Resources
NDHHS Mpox Lunch and Learn Video (from 2022)
August 31, 2022: HHS Mpox Update Presentation Slides | Recording