The True Story: Cases Passed a Thousand, and Pharmacies Stepped In

On 18 October 2024, Australian media reported that more than 1,119 mpox cases had been notified to federal authorities, most in New South Wales (512) and Victoria (329). Victoria's chief health officer said it was the state's highest number since its first case in May 2022, and stressed that anyone can be infected. Then in May 2025, the Victorian Department of Health launched a programme offering free mpox vaccination at participating pharmacies across the state for priority groups, noting that Australia recorded more than 1,400 cases during 2024.

The Key Lesson: Pharmacies Are the First Place People with Symptoms Walk In

In Thailand, many people go to a pharmacy before a hospital when they have a rash, blisters or fever. Pharmacists and staff may therefore be among the first to meet a patient. Points to care for are:

• The dispensing counter where customers rest their hands and goods
• The card reader and pens used by everyone
• Blood pressure monitors and scales used by many customers
• The consultation corner where customers may show a rash or sore
• Waiting chairs and the often cramped shop floor

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. A brief encounter at the counter is low risk, but caring for shared touch points reduces the risk of many diseases at once. Mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Guidelines for Pharmacies

1. Wear gloves and a mask when looking at a customer's rash or sores, and never touch them with bare hands
2. Advise a doctor's visit when you see a suspicious rash or blisters with fever, and refer to the 1422 hotline
3. Wipe the counter, pens and card reader several times a day
4. Wipe blood pressure monitors and scales after every customer
5. Install hand gel at the entrance and counter
6. Fog the shop on a schedule after closing
7. Train staff to recognise symptoms and advise without stigma or discrimination

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 Pharmacies Should Have a Disinfection Plan

1. Pharmacies are the first stop for patients with many diseases
2. It protects pharmacists and shop staff
3. It protects elderly customers and children buying medicine
4. It builds the image of a clean, professional shop
5. It also prevents flu and COVID-19
6. Fogging can be done after closing without affecting sales
7. It will not damage medicine packaging or shelves
8. No harsh smell lingers in the shop
9. The shop can reopen about 30 minutes after fogging
10. It comes with a tax invoice and 3% withholding for franchise shops

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should a pharmacy do when a customer has a suspicious rash? A: Wear gloves, advise a doctor's visit or the 1422 hotline, and wipe the points the customer touched after they leave. Q: Will fogging a shop full of medicine affect the stock? A: ULV mist has very fine droplets, and the team assesses the area and advises on covering goods before 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 pharmacy chains request a quotation? A: Yes. Call 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 Australia shows that pharmacies are an important part of the health system. Shops that keep clean systematically protect both pharmacists and customers. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for pharmacies and clinics, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping counters and equipment during the day.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268