The True Story: Europe's First Deaths in the 2022 Outbreak

On 29 and 30 July 2022, Spain's health ministry reported 2 deaths from mpox within two days, both young men. These were Europe's first deaths in that outbreak. The ministry's report listed 3,750 patients, of whom 120 had been hospitalised. A WHO Europe expert said most patients recover on their own, but some need hospital care for life-threatening complications such as encephalitis, and that more deaths could be expected as the outbreak continued. The goal was to interrupt transmission as quickly as possible.

The Key Lesson: Interrupting Transmission Starts with Letting Sick People Stop Work

Transmission cannot be interrupted if employees with symptoms still have to come to work for fear of losing pay or their job. Mpox often requires weeks of isolation until the sores heal, so workplaces should prepare:

• A sick-leave policy that lets employees isolate on a doctor's advice
• Working from home for roles where it is possible when symptoms are mild
• Confidential handling of health information under personal data protection law
• A plan to clean the workstation a sick employee used
• Communication with staff that avoids stigma and does not reveal names

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. Ordinary office work 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 HR and Managers

1. Set a clear sick-leave policy for infectious diseases where a doctor advises isolation
2. Allow working from home where possible, so employees do not have to choose between income and health
3. Encourage employees to report symptoms confidentially to HR
4. Wipe shared touch points such as lift buttons, fingerprint scanners, meeting rooms and the office kitchen
5. Fog the workstation of a sick employee, and the office on a schedule
6. Set return-to-work criteria in line with medical advice
7. Coordinate with the 1422 hotline with questions about caring for employees

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 Workplaces Should Pair a Disinfection Plan with a Sick-Leave Policy

1. A sick employee may have used shared touch points before knowing they were ill
2. It reduces colleagues' anxiety
3. It reduces repeated sick leave from spread within the organisation
4. It builds the image of an organisation that cares for its people
5. It also prevents flu and COVID-19
6. Fogging can be done outside working hours without disrupting work
7. It will not damage computers or documents
8. No harsh smell lingers in the office
9. Areas 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: Can severe mpox be fatal? A: Most patients recover, but some develop complications. Spain reported 2 deaths in 2022. Q: What should a company do if an employee catches mpox? A: Let the employee isolate on a doctor's advice, keep the information confidential, and disinfect the areas the employee used. 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 multi-floor offices 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 Spain warns that interrupting transmission is urgent. Workplaces with a good sick-leave policy and a clear disinfection plan protect every employee. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for offices and factories, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping shared touch points every day.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268