Monkeypox Outbreak Averted for Oil & Gas Company in Thailand

Addressing the Suspected Mpox Case

Remote offshore environments present unique health risks. When a 28-year-old crew member developed a rash suggestive of mpox on an offshore platform in Thailand, the situation escalated into a potential public health emergency. Close living quarters amplified transmission risk, while the absence of isolation facilities, advanced diagnostics, and infectious disease specialists offshore compounded the challenge. A full-scale outbreak could have triggered operational shutdowns costing millions and weeks of lost production.

Offshore Impacts and Implications

Due to the environment, the suspected mpox case created a multi-faceted crisis:

• High Risk of Transmission: Close quarters on the offshore platform amplified contagion risk.
• Threat to Operations: A potential outbreak could force quarantine and halt production, risking millions in losses.
• Specialized Medical Needs: Offshore facilities lacked appropriate isolation rooms, Polymerase Chain Reaction testing (PCR), and infectious disease expertise.

These factors demanded an urgent, coordinated response to protect lives and maintain business continuity. 

Containing an Outbreak: Putting Plans into Action

Our offshore medical team supported by our Regional Response Center team put together a comprehensive containment and care strategy, including:

• Immediate Telemedicine Consultation: Urgent teleconsultation with an onshore dermatologist confirmed high suspicion of mpox and need for evacuation.
• Hospital Vetting and Preparation: Secured an onshore hospital with isolation capability, PCR testing, and Infectious Diseases specialist access.
• Safe Medical Evacuation: Executed a controlled disembarkation under strict infection control protocols, safeguarding crew, and pilots.
• Clinical Governance: Ensured compliance with health regulations and best practices throughout the process.
• Health Authority Coordination: Prepared to source antiviral medication through local authorities if required.

Delivering Impact Offshore

The effective onsite medical services delivered measurable outcomes:

• Effective Containment: Rapid isolation and controlled evacuation prevented an outbreak.
• Timely, Appropriate Care: Patient received specialist treatment without delay.
• Business Continuity Assured: Operations continued uninterrupted, avoiding costly shutdowns and multimillion-dollar losses.
• Duty of Care Demonstrated: Organization showcased robust health protection for its workforce, aligned with industry health and safety standards