The True Story: Japan's First Mpox Death

In December 2023, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reported the country's first mpox death, a man in his 30s living in Saitama Prefecture whose infection had been confirmed in September 2023. Several media outlets reported that he had HIV, which weakens the immune system. Japan had found its first mpox case in July 2022. WHO says people with weakened immunity, including people with uncontrolled HIV, are at higher risk of severe illness and death from mpox than the general population.

Who Are the Vulnerable Groups That Need Special Care?

Most people recover from mpox on their own, but for some groups it can be very severe.

• People with HIV who are not yet on treatment or whose infection is not controlled
• Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
• Organ transplant recipients and people taking immunosuppressants
• Dialysis patients and older people with chronic conditions
• Young children and pregnant women, according to WHO

Places these groups use often, such as infectious disease clinics, dialysis centres, chemotherapy rooms and homes with bedridden patients, should have higher cleanliness standards than ordinary spaces.

How Mpox Spreads

According to the World Health Organization, mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person's skin or sores and through contaminated items. For people with weakened immunity, reducing the chance of contact with germs in the environment is especially important. They should talk to their doctor about vaccination and protection. Mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Guidelines for Clinics and Centres Caring for Vulnerable Patients

1. Screen people with rashes or blisters at the entrance, and separate the waiting area
2. Disinfect dialysis chairs, infusion chairs and examination beds between patients
3. Change covers and blankets for every patient, and wash them in hot water
4. Clean toilets and high-touch points several times a day
5. Staff who are unwell stop work, and should not care for people with weakened immunity
6. Fog the whole area on a schedule, and immediately after a patient with a suspected infectious disease has visited

For Homes with a Person with Weakened Immunity

• Carers with fever or a rash should stop caring and see a doctor
• Unwell visitors should postpone their visit
• Disinfect high-touch points every day, such as bed rails, door handles and the bathroom
• When someone at home has an infectious illness, separate rooms and fog after they recover
• Consult the patient's doctor about vaccination and symptoms that need urgent hospital care

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 Places Caring for Vulnerable Patients Should Have a Disinfection Plan

1. People with weakened immunity are at higher risk of severe illness
2. Many germs are dangerous to this group at once
3. Infusion chairs and beds are used by many people a day
4. Patients and relatives feel confident about safety
5. It uses a disinfectant used in NHS hospitals
6. It has no harsh smell to bother smell-sensitive patients
7. It reaches corners that wiping misses
8. It can be done outside service hours
9. It provides reports for standards audits
10. It comes with a tax invoice for healthcare facilities

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is everyone with HIV at equally high risk? A: No. People on ongoing treatment with controlled virus are at much lower risk. Consult your own doctor. Q: When can a dialysis centre be used after fogging? A: Typically about 30 minutes after fogging. 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 a home with a bedridden patient use the service? A: Yes. The team will plan for the patient to leave the area during fogging. Call 065-556-6294.

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 true story from Japan reminds us that mpox can be fatal for people with weakened immunity. Places and homes that care for this group should keep higher cleanliness standards than usual. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for clinics, dialysis centres and patients' homes, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping chairs and high-touch points between patients.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268