The True Story: A Recombinant Strain in a Traveller

In December 2025, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported finding a recombinant mpox strain combining clade Ib and IIb in a traveller who had recently returned from Asia. UKHSA said it is normal for viruses to evolve, and further work was under way to understand the strain.

The Key Lesson: When the Virus Changes, Prevention Procedures Need Review

Viruses evolve all the time, and health and safety SOPs written years ago may no longer fit. Things to review are:

• Cleaning SOPs: frequency, touch points and the products used
• Screening SOPs: questions about symptoms and travel history
• Referral and notification SOPs
• Lists of owners and contact numbers, which may have changed
• Reference sources, using the latest from WHO and the Department of Disease Control

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 Reviewing Business Health and Safety SOPs

1. Cleaning SOPs outdated and missing new touch points: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: review SOPs every 6 months or when new announcements come out. Owner: quality manager
2. Staff following old SOPs without retraining: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: run refresher training every time an SOP changes. Owner: training
3. Using disinfectants without certified virus standards: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: specify products meeting standards such as EN 14476 in the SOP. Owner: procurement
4. Wrong contact numbers and owners in SOPs: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: check and update every quarter. Owner: HR
5. No drills against the SOP: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: run a tabletop exercise once a year. Owner: management

Steps to Review Health and Safety SOPs

1. Set a review cycle of every 6 months and whenever new announcements appear
2. Check for new touch points created by changes to spaces or services
3. Specify disinfectants that meet virus standards
4. Update owners and contact numbers, including the 1422 hotline
5. Retrain staff every time an SOP changes
6. Run a tabletop drill once a year
7. Follow WHO and the Department of Disease Control regularly

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 did UKHSA find in 2025? A: A recombinant mpox strain combining clade Ib and IIb in a traveller back from Asia, noting that it is normal for viruses to evolve. Q: How often should businesses review SOPs? A: At least every 6 months, and whenever public health authorities issue new announcements or information. 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 businesses 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 England shows viruses are always evolving. Businesses that review SOPs and assess risk regularly will be better prepared. Prevent it with the [World Health Disinfection disinfection service]({SERVICE}) for business premises on the schedule set in your SOP, and [Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant]({PRODUCT}) for use as the standard disinfectant in your cleaning SOP.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268