The True Story: A Home Empty for 15 Days, but the Virus Remained

In July 2021, an mpox patient who had returned from Nigeria to Dallas, Texas, was treated in hospital. A team from CDC and local health agencies later sampled surfaces in the home where the patient had stayed, 15 days after the patient left. Nobody lived in the home during that time. The study, published in CDC's journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, found that most samples (about 87%) were PCR positive for the virus's genetic material, and live virus was cultured from 7 of the 31 samples tested. The live virus was found on porous items such as a mattress cover, towels, a blanket and underwear.

The Key Lesson: Fabrics and Mattresses Need Special Care

The study does not mean everyone who enters a room will be infected. It shows that fabrics a patient used closely may hold the virus longer than expected. This matters most for:

• Landlords and dormitories with frequent tenant turnover
• Mattresses, pillows and fabric sofas that are hard to wash
• Curtains and carpets that collect dust and secretions
• Housekeepers and cleaning teams who handle used linen directly
• Household members who share towels or bedding with a patient

How Mpox Spreads

According to the World Health Organization, mpox spreads mainly through close contact with an infected person's skin or sores, and can also spread through contaminated objects such as clothing, bedding and towels. Mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Guidelines for Landlords and Homes with a Patient

1. Never shake used linen, as this can scatter scab material
2. Wear gloves and a mask when collecting a patient's bedding and towels
3. Wash fabrics with warm water and detergent, separately from others' laundry
4. Wipe high-touch surfaces such as door handles, light switches and the bathroom
5. Disinfect mattresses, sofas and carpets that cannot be washed, with professional fogging
6. Before handing a room to a new tenant, clean and disinfect the whole room
7. Call the 1422 hotline with any questions about caring for a patient

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 Landlords Should Have a Disinfection Plan

1. Fabrics and mattresses hold germs longer than smooth surfaces
2. Tenants change often and the previous tenant's health history is unknown
3. It protects housekeepers and cleaners
4. It gives new tenants confidence
5. It also prevents flu, COVID-19 and other diseases
6. ULV mist reaches corners and fabric
7. It will not damage fabric, mattresses or furniture
8. No harsh smell lingers in the room
9. The room can be used again about 30 minutes after fogging
10. It comes with a tax invoice and 3% withholding for companies

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long can mpox survive on fabric? A: The Dallas study found live virus on some fabric items 15 days after the patient left, but the amount of virus and the real risk of transmission depend on many factors. Q: Is ordinary washing enough? A: Washing with detergent helps a lot, but mattresses and sofas cannot be washed, so fogging or wiping with a disinfectant is advised. 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: Do you offer fogging for many rental rooms? A: Yes. Ask about package prices at 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 Dallas shows that the virus on fabrics may remain for days. Caring for mattresses, linen and rooms systematically is something landlords and families should not overlook. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for rental rooms, condos and homes, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping high-touch points every day.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268