Kuwait unveils new policy to prevent monkeypox spread

• Dr. Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Director of the Infection Prevention Department at the Ministry of Health, stated that the policy involves consulting with the treating physician to end isolation precautions only after all scabs separate and healthy skin forms.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Director of the Infection Prevention Department at the Ministry of Health, announced the development of a policy to prevent the spread of monkeypox. This policy will be implemented if any cases are detected in hospitals, God forbid.

Dr. Al-Mutawa stated in a statement to Al-Anba newspaper that the key aspect of this policy is the application of standard precautions to all patients, including those suspected of having monkeypox.

He explained that the policy involves placing a patient suspected of or confirmed to have monkeypox in a single room with a private bathroom, limiting their transfer and movement outside the room to essential medical purposes only, and using protective measures (such as a medical mask) while covering any exposed skin ulcers.

Medical interventions

He explained that the policy also emphasizes that any medical interventions that might spread oral secretions should be conducted in the infection isolation room, especially for airborne infections.

Regarding medical waste management, Dr. Al-Mutawa noted that the policy requires disposing of used personal protective equipment, patient bandages, and other items according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health’s Infection Prevention Department for handling hazardous materials.

He also stated that the policy includes following standard cleaning and disinfection procedures using an approved disinfectant within health facilities.

He pointed out that the policy also includes making decisions related to stopping isolation precautions in the healthcare facility in consultation with the treating physician, and maintaining isolation precautions until all scabs separate and a new layer of healthy skin forms underneath.

Dr. Al-Mutawa emphasized the Ministry of Health’s readiness to address monkeypox and praised the support of Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, and Undersecretary of Public Health Dr. Al-Mundhir Al-Hasawi for overcoming obstacles and supporting the implementation of plans and policies to combat and prevent the infection.