The True Story: A Border Town Where the Virus Crossed First

On 3 August 2024, Uganda's Ministry of Health announced the country's first two mpox cases in the neighbouring towns of Mpondwe and Bwera, Kasese district, in the west of the country, which borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Officials said the infections did not take place in Uganda but came from Congo, and nine contacts were placed under medical surveillance. At the same time, the East African Community urged member governments to educate citizens on how to protect themselves, while the African Union approved funding to support surveillance and laboratory testing.

Why Border Towns Are the First Line

Border towns have people crossing back and forth every day, including traders, workers, freight drivers and tourists. When a neighbouring country has an outbreak, border towns are often the first places to find cases. Thailand has many border towns and border trade markets, such as Mae Sai, Mae Sot, Aranyaprathet, Nong Khai, Mukdahan and Sadao.

• Border markets have crowded stalls and buyers from several countries
• Immigration checkpoints have counters, barriers and waiting seats shared by travellers
• Truck parks and border warehouses
• Public toilets used by large numbers of people
• Budget accommodation and hotels for cross-border travellers

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. Ordinary trading carries low risk, but crowding and shared toilets or touch points deserve attention. Mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Guidelines for Border Markets, Trade Crossings and Local Authorities

1. Follow the disease situation in neighbouring countries from the Department of Disease Control and WHO
2. Put up multilingual signs in Thai, English and neighbouring languages about symptoms and seeing a doctor
3. Set up handwashing points at market entrances, checkpoints and toilets
4. Clean and disinfect public toilets several times a day
5. Disinfect checkpoint counters, barriers and waiting seats on a schedule
6. Fog markets and checkpoint buildings after closing on a schedule, especially when neighbours have an outbreak
7. Coordinate with border hospitals and international disease control checkpoints, and call 1422 when someone has suspected symptoms

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 Border Towns Should Have a Disinfection Plan

1. Border towns are often the first to find cases when neighbours have an outbreak
2. Large numbers of people cross every day
3. Border markets are crowded, with buyers from many countries
4. It protects traders and checkpoint staff
5. It keeps border trade from being disrupted
6. It also prevents other cross-border infections
7. Fogging after closing does not disturb trade
8. It uses a disinfectant with no harsh smell
9. It provides reports for local authorities and checkpoints
10. It comes with a tax invoice and 3% withholding tax for local authorities and private operators

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Must a border market close when a neighbour has an outbreak? A: Not necessarily. Follow public health advice. Stronger hygiene measures reduce the risk without stopping trade. Q: When can a market reopen after fogging? A: Typically about 30 minutes after fogging, and it is usually done after closing. 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: Is the service available in border provinces? A: Ask about service areas on 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

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 Uganda shows that border towns are the first line when a neighbour has an outbreak. Border towns that prepare hygiene measures in advance protect both their people and their trade. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for border markets, checkpoints and public buildings, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping toilets and high-touch points every day.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268