The True Story: From 47 Countries to 75 Countries in a Month

On 23 July 2022, the Director-General of the World Health Organization declared the multi-country mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). He noted that about a month earlier there had been 3,040 cases in 47 countries, but by then there were more than 16,000 cases in 75 countries and territories, with 5 deaths. In the same statement, WHO assessed the global risk as moderate, and the risk of interference with international travel and trade as low at that time.

The Key Lesson: A Warehouse's Main Risk Is People, Not Parcels

When there is news of an outbreak, many people worry that parcels from abroad will carry the virus. But according to WHO, mpox spreads mainly through close contact between people. The risk a warehouse should focus on is therefore the spaces staff share, such as:

• Staff break rooms and canteens used by several shifts
• Changing rooms and toilets in the warehouse
• Safety vests, work gloves and equipment used interchangeably
• Barcode scanners and trolleys touched by many hands
• Staff dormitories and shuttle vans where staff live and travel together

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, which are things a patient uses closely, not ordinary goods boxes. Mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Guidelines for Warehouses and Parcel Distribution Centres

1. Share accurate information to reduce anxiety among staff and customers
2. Have staff with a rash or fever stop work and see a doctor
3. Keep safety vests and work gloves personal to each worker
4. Wipe scanners, trolley handles and equipment between shifts
5. Wipe break rooms, canteens, changing rooms and toilets several times a day
6. Fog staff areas on a schedule and after a case
7. Coordinate with the 1422 hotline with any questions

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 Warehouses Should Have a Plan to Disinfect Staff Areas

1. Hundreds of staff share spaces across several shifts
2. An outbreak in the team disrupts deliveries
3. It reduces anxiety among staff and customers
4. It also prevents flu and COVID-19
5. It builds a brand image of cleanliness
6. Fogging reaches whole break rooms and large buildings
7. It will not damage equipment or scanners
8. Fogging can be done between shifts
9. Areas can be used again about 30 minutes after fogging
10. It comes with a tax invoice and 3% withholding for logistics companies

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can parcels from abroad carry mpox? A: According to WHO, mpox spreads mainly through close contact between people and through items a patient uses closely, such as bedding. Washing hands after opening parcels is always a good habit. Q: Where is a warehouse's main risk? A: In spaces staff share, such as break rooms, changing rooms and toilets, more than in goods boxes. 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 large warehouses 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

WHO's emergency declaration warns that disease can cross borders quickly. Warehouses that care for staff areas systematically can keep operating with confidence. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for warehouses and distribution centres, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping equipment and touch points between shifts.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268