The Real Story: What Researchers Sampled in Patient Rooms

Between 24 May and 17 June 2022, a UK research team sampled four isolation rooms at the Royal Free Hospital in London, which housed six patients with symptomatic mpox. The results were published in The Lancet Microbe.

• Viral DNA was found on 93% of surfaces in occupied patient rooms
• DNA was found on 4 of 12 items of protective equipment, including visors and gloves
• 5 of 20 air samples were positive, and 3 of 4 air samples taken before and during a bedding change were positive
• Viable, replication-competent virus was grown from two samples: an air sample collected during a bedding change and a swab of the anteroom floor

The researchers themselves noted that finding the virus in the environment does not mean transmission will necessarily occur. But the results show that changing bedding and cleaning patient rooms must be done carefully.

Why This Research Matters for Every Housekeeper

The people who change bedding and clean rooms are not only nurses. They are hotel housekeepers, building cleaners, cleaning company staff and domestic workers. They handle other people's sheets, pillowcases, towels and rubbish every day, often without knowing whether the room's occupant is ill.

• Shaking sheets sends scabs and contamination into the air
• Hugging laundry against the body brings clothing into direct contact with contamination
• Removing gloves incorrectly lets hands touch the contaminated outside
• Floors outside rooms and corridors can carry the virus, as shown by the viable virus on the anteroom floor

How Mpox Spreads

According to the World Health Organization, mpox spreads mainly through close contact with an infected person, and can also spread through contaminated items such as bedding and clothing. The London study helps explain why bedding needs particular care. The good news is that mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

How to Change Bedding Safely in a Room That May Have Had a Patient

1. Put on protective equipment before entering: gloves, a mask and a gown or apron
2. Do not shake fabrics. Roll them gently towards the centre so the side that touched the patient is inside
3. Do not hug laundry against your body. Put it straight into a separate bag that can be closed
4. Wash with hot water and detergent, separately from general laundry
5. Remove gloves and protective equipment correctly, then wash your hands immediately
6. Clean and disinfect surfaces after removing the linen, including the floor and the area outside the room
7. Fog the whole room once the patient has recovered or moved out

What Cleaning Companies and Employers Should Provide

• Training on putting on and taking off protective equipment, with easy-to-follow pictures
• Colour-coded laundry bags for linen from rooms with patients
• A standards-tested disinfectant instead of ordinary floor cleaner
• A reporting channel when staff find linen with blood, pus or scabs
• A professional disinfection service for rooms with confirmed patients

How ULV Fogging Helps

The World Health Disinfection disinfection service uses ULV fogging machines that turn the disinfectant into a fine mist. It settles across the whole area, including corners, curtains, upholstery and surfaces that hand wiping cannot fully reach.

• Whole-area coverage without relying on wiping spot by spot
• Quick return to use, typically about 30 minutes after fogging
• The team wears full protective equipment, so owners and staff do not take the risk themselves
• Report and photos after the job to show customers, management or authorities
• Tax invoice with 3% withholding tax for companies and agencies
• More than 5 years of experience in hospitals, offices, hotels and public buildings

The Disinfectant We Use: Chemgene HLD4H

The team uses Chemgene HLD4H. According to WHD's product page, it meets the EN 14476 standard for virucidal activity, is used in NHS hospitals in England, and is endorsed by Mahidol University. We do not claim that Chemgene has been tested against mpox specifically. But mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate when used at the manufacturer's stated concentration and contact time.

• No harsh bleach smell
• Works on many surfaces, from desks and counters to handles and equipment
• Can be bought for daily wiping of high-touch points

10 Reasons Cleaning Companies Should Partner with a Disinfection Service

1. Research confirms that changing bedding can stir the virus into the air
2. It protects housekeeping staff, an essential resource
3. Rooms with confirmed patients should be handled by a fully equipped team
4. It reduces the risk of staff having to stop work or quarantine
5. It adds a value-added service for clients such as hotels, condos and office buildings
6. It uses a standards-tested disinfectant with no harsh smell
7. It provides reports to hand on to clients
8. It also prevents other infections carried by fabrics and surfaces
9. It builds confidence among new staff
10. It raises the company's standards in clients' eyes

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does finding the virus on surfaces mean it spreads easily? A: Not necessarily. The researchers said it does not mean transmission will always occur, but it is a reason to handle linen and surfaces carefully. Q: Should I fog before or after removing the linen? A: Remove the linen carefully first, clean off dirt, then fog the whole room. Q: Does Chemgene HLD4H kill mpox? A: It is not claimed to be tested against mpox specifically, but it meets EN 14476 for viruses, and mpox is an enveloped virus. Q: Can cleaning companies buy the disinfectant for their own use? A: Yes. It suits daily wiping of high-touch points in routine cleaning.

Related Links and Sources

• World Health Disinfection disinfection service
• Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant and price
• Mpox information from Thailand's Department of Disease Control, hotline 1422
• WHO mpox fact sheet

Prevent It with a Disinfection Service and Chemgene HLD4H

The real research from London tells us that changing bedding is the moment that needs the most care. Housekeepers and cleaners who know the right method, backed by a professional team, keep both themselves and the next room users safe. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for rooms where a patient has stayed, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for everyday cleaning work.

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