The True Story: The First US Death Linked to Mpox

On 30 August 2022, Texas health officials reported the death of a person with mpox in Harris County, the first death in the US linked to mpox. Officials said the person was severely immunocompromised, and an investigation was under way to determine what role mpox played in the death.

The Key Lesson: Those Who Care for the Deceased Need Protection Too

Funeral homes, temples and foundations that care for the deceased in Thailand should have clear procedures. Points to care for are:

• Staff who move and wash the body, in direct contact with it
• Clothing and linen belonging to the deceased
• Hearses and stretchers used in rotation
• Funeral halls and toilets used by many mourners
• Relatives who cared for the patient before death

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.

Risk Register for Funeral Homes and Temples

1. Staff handling the body without protective equipment: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: wear gloves, gown and mask every time. Owner: staff supervisor
2. Linen and clothing of the deceased handled carelessly: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: bag securely, don't shake, and follow public health guidance. Owner: assigned staff
3. Hearses and stretchers not disinfected: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: wipe with disinfectant after every use. Owner: vehicle team
4. Halls and toilets not cleaned between services: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: clean on rounds and wipe shared touch points. Owner: hall caretaker
5. Body preparation rooms not disinfected after use: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: wipe immediately and fog on a schedule. Owner: facility manager

Ways to Reduce Risk for Funeral Homes

1. Wear protective equipment whenever moving or caring for a body
2. Bag linen and clothing securely and don't shake them
3. Wipe hearses and stretchers after every use
4. Clean halls and toilets between services
5. Fog body preparation rooms on a schedule
6. Coordinate with public health authorities when the deceased is known to have been infected
7. Care for the family with respect and without stigma

How ULV Fogging Helps

The [World Health Disinfection disinfection service]({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]({PRODUCT}). 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

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What risk factors did the Texas patient have? A: Officials said the person was severely immunocompromised, and the cause of death was under investigation. Q: When should temples fog their halls? A: After services or on a schedule, and immediately when a related infection is known. 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 temples or foundations get a tax invoice? A: Yes. Tax invoices are issued and 3% withholding tax is supported. Call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Related Links and Sources

• [World Health Disinfection disinfection service]({SERVICE})
• [Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant and price]({PRODUCT})
• 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 Texas reminds us that the people who care for the deceased need protection too. Places that assess risk and keep clean systematically protect both staff and mourners. Prevent it with the [World Health Disinfection disinfection service]({SERVICE}) for body preparation rooms, funeral halls and toilets, and [Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant]({PRODUCT}) for wiping hearses, stretchers and shared touch points.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268