The True Story: Why Monkeypox Became Mpox

On 28 November 2022, the World Health Organization recommended the name mpox instead of monkeypox, with both names used side by side for one year before the old name was phased out. The reason was that during the 2022 outbreak there were reports of racist and stigmatising language online, in some settings and in some communities. WHO said the new name should minimise negative impact, avoid linking the disease to places, groups of people or animals, and help people come forward for testing and care, in line with the disease-naming best practices WHO has used since 2015.

Why Stigma Harms Disease Control

When patients fear stigma, they may not see a doctor, tell their workplace or reveal their contacts. The result is quiet spread in organisations and communities. The 2022 Phuket case, where a patient fled his accommodation, also showed how fear makes disease control harder. In workplaces, stigma often comes from:

• Rumours in LINE groups that identify the patient
• Guessing who is ill from who takes leave
• Linking the disease to gender, race or sexuality, when anyone can be infected
• Not letting the patient return to work even after recovery

How Mpox Spreads

According to the World Health Organization, mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person and contaminated items. Anyone can be infected, regardless of gender, age or race. Accurate information is the best tool for reducing fear. Mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

How to Communicate When a Staff Member or Customer Has Mpox

1. Protect personal data. Do not name the person, their department or details that identify them, in line with personal data protection law
2. Communicate directly from management or HR before rumours spread
3. Use the word mpox neutrally, with information from official sources
4. Say clearly what the organisation has done, such as coordinating with public health and fogging the area
5. Inform close contacts individually, following officials' advice, rather than announcing to everyone
6. Welcome the patient back to work once they have recovered on their doctor's advice
7. Provide a channel for questions, such as the Department of Disease Control's 1422 hotline

An Example of an Appropriate Announcement

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 Good Communication Should Come with a Disinfection Plan

1. Staff feel confident when they see the organisation acting
2. It reduces rumours and guessing about who is ill
3. Patients report symptoms because they do not fear stigma
4. Disease is controlled faster
5. It protects the organisation from personal data legal risks
6. It keeps the working atmosphere positive
7. It provides proof of disinfection to back the announcement
8. It uses a standards-tested disinfectant with no harsh smell in the office
9. Fogging can be done outside working hours
10. It comes with a tax invoice for organisations

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I say monkeypox or mpox? A: WHO recommends mpox. In Thai, the term ฝีดาษลิง can still be used alongside it. Please use either neutrally and without stigma. Q: Do all staff need to be told? A: You can share the overall situation and measures, but do not identify the patient. Close contacts should be informed individually, following officials' advice. 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: When can staff return after the office is fogged? A: Typically about 30 minutes after fogging.

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 of the 2022 renaming teaches us that disease control does not rely on disinfectant alone, but also on stigma-free communication. Organisations that do both together help staff report symptoms and return to work with confidence. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service when there is a case in your organisation, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping high-touch points every day.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268