CDC Offering Guidance to Prevent Monkeypox Spread in Farmworker Housing
The COVID-19 pandemic was tough enough, and the last thing anyone wants is a new disease. Unfortunately, monkeypox is circulating in the population.
The Cornell University Agricultural Workforce Development notes that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently posted guidance about monkeypox on its website. CDC indicates the disease is spread through close contact, including direct contact with a rash, respiratory secretions, and through contact with shared fabrics like clothing, bedding, or towels. For these reasons, CDC gives particular guidance for congregate housing settings, which would include farm worker housing in many cases.
“Employers who operate farm worker housing should review CDC guidance on issues such as communications with employees, responding to cases, identification of cases, handwashing, cleaning and disinfection, and personal protective equipment,” says Dr. Richard Stup, who leads the Ag Workforce Development program. “This is particularly important as new workers arrive for fall harvest and housing population densities increase.”
Growers to provide housing should take steps now, such as communication and increased sanitation measures, to prevent the spread of monkeypox among the farm workforce.
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