The True Story: When the World Stopped Smallpox Vaccination, Mpox Rose

On 30 August 2010, researchers from UCLA led by Anne Rimoin published a study in PNAS based on disease surveillance in 9 health zones in central Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2006 to 2007, compared with data from similar areas in 1981 to 1986. They found that human mpox had increased about 20-fold since smallpox vaccination ended in 1980. The researchers explained that smallpox vaccine had given cross-protective immunity against mpox. Once vaccination stopped, the number of people who had never been vaccinated grew over time.

The Key Lesson: Most Young People Were Never Vaccinated Against Smallpox

The World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated in 1980, and routine smallpox vaccination then stopped in many countries. Many younger people have therefore never received smallpox vaccine. Places where many young people live together should pay attention to hygiene, such as:

• Universities and colleges with tens of thousands of students
• Student dormitories with shared bathrooms and laundry rooms
• Libraries and co-working spaces with shared desks, chairs and keyboards
• Sports grounds and changing rooms with close contact
• Freshers' events and camps where students stay together for days

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 Universities and Dormitories

1. Educate students about symptoms and transmission, without stigmatising any group
2. Provide a confidential channel to report symptoms through the university health centre
3. Prepare isolation rooms for dormitory students who must isolate on a doctor's advice
4. Wipe shared touch points such as library desks, keyboards, door handles and dormitory bathrooms
5. Clean changing rooms and sports equipment every day
6. Fog dormitories and teaching buildings on a schedule during breaks and after a case
7. Coordinate with the 1422 hotline and local public health agencies

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 Universities Should Have a Disinfection Plan

1. Most young people were never vaccinated against smallpox
2. Students live closely together in dormitories
3. Bathrooms and laundry rooms are shared
4. It protects lecturers and staff
5. It gives parents confidence
6. It also prevents flu and COVID-19
7. Fogging can be done during breaks without disrupting classes
8. It will not damage teaching equipment or computers
9. Areas can be used again about 30 minutes after fogging
10. It comes with a tax invoice and 3% withholding for educational institutions

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are younger people more at risk? A: Most never received smallpox vaccine, which gave cross-protection, according to the UCLA researchers. Q: Should I get vaccinated? A: Consult a doctor. Vaccines are mostly recommended for risk groups under Ministry of Public Health guidance. 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 universities with many buildings 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 UCLA study shows that younger generations lack the smallpox vaccine protection that older people had. Educational institutions that keep clean systematically protect students better. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for universities and dormitories, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping shared touch points every day.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268