The True Story: Infected Without Symptoms

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine tested samples from men without symptoms attending screening at Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital in Paris between 5 June and 11 July 2022. It found that 13 of 200, about 6.5%, tested positive for mpox while having no symptoms, raising concern that the virus may spread from people who don't know they are infected.

The Key Lesson: Cleaning Must Be Routine, Not a Reaction to Seeing Someone Ill

Thai fitness centres and gyms see hundreds of members a day. If some people can be infected without symptoms, screening alone isn't enough. Points to care for are:

• Machine seats and handles touched by skin and sweat all day
• Yoga and stretching mats used in common
• Showers, changing rooms and lockers
• Rental towels, which must be washed properly
• Saunas and steam rooms, where people sit close 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. Mpox is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Risk Register for Fitness Centres and Gyms

1. Members infected without symptoms using shared equipment: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: wipe equipment after every use as routine, not only when someone looks ill. Owner: gym manager
2. Seats and mats not wiped between users: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: place disinfectant spray and cloths at every station with signs. Owner: floor staff
3. Rental towels not washed properly: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: hot-wash and dry thoroughly. Owner: laundry
4. Saunas, showers and lockers cleaned irregularly: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: clean on rounds and log times. Owner: housekeeper
5. No regular deep disinfection of the gym: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: schedule fogging after closing. Owner: gym owner

Ways to Reduce Risk in Fitness Centres

1. Wipe equipment after every use without waiting to see someone ill
2. Place spray and cloths in every zone
3. Ask members to lay a towel on seats and use their own mats
4. Hot-wash rental towels
5. Clean showers and saunas on rounds
6. Fog the gym after closing on a schedule
7. Ask members with a rash or bumps to skip sessions and see a doctor

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: Can people without symptoms really carry mpox? A: The Paris study found the virus in 13 of 200 people without symptoms, about 6.5% of the group studied. Q: How often should gyms wipe equipment? A: After every use, plus a deep fogging after closing on a schedule. 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 fitness centres 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 study from Paris shows some risks are invisible. Fitness centres that make cleaning a routine system protect members better than waiting to see someone ill. Prevent it with the [World Health Disinfection disinfection service]({SERVICE}) for fitness centres, changing rooms and saunas, and [Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant]({PRODUCT}) for wiping exercise machines and mats after every use.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268