The True Story: Pre-Travel Advice from CDC

On 23 September 2024, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised travellers to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda who expect possible exposure, including sexual exposure, to consider vaccination. The advice was 2 doses, starting at least 6 weeks before departure, so travellers are fully protected before they leave.

The Key Lesson: Preparation Must Start Weeks Before Travel

Thais travelling to work, study or holiday in outbreak areas should prepare in advance. Things to consider are:

• Consulting a travel medicine doctor several weeks ahead
• Travel medicine clinics serving people from many countries
• Vaccination rooms and observation chairs used in rotation
• Watching for symptoms after returning
• Caring for belongings and clothing after the trip

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 Travellers and Travel Medicine Clinics

1. Travellers consulting too late to finish vaccination before departure: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: encourage consultations at least 6 weeks ahead. Owner: travel medicine clinic
2. Symptomatic travellers waiting among vaccine patients: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: screen at booking and separate waiting areas. Owner: clinic nurse
3. Observation chairs and beds not wiped between people: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: wipe with disinfectant every time. Owner: nursing assistant
4. Travellers unaware of symptoms to watch for after returning: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: give a symptom sheet and the 1422 number. Owner: advising doctor
5. The clinic not fogged on a schedule: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: schedule fogging after closing. Owner: clinic manager

Ways to Reduce Risk for Travellers and Clinics

1. Consult a travel medicine doctor at least 6 weeks before departure
2. Screen for symptoms at booking and separate waiting areas
3. Wipe chairs and beds after every use
4. Educate travellers about symptoms and prevention during the trip
5. Advise symptom monitoring after returning and the 1422 hotline
6. Advise washing clothes and wiping luggage after the trip
7. Fog the clinic on a schedule

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

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did CDC advise travellers? A: Travellers to 6 countries who expect possible exposure should consider 2 vaccine doses, starting at least 6 weeks before departure. Thais should consult a travel medicine doctor in Thailand. Q: What should I do after returning from a trip? A: Watch for symptoms, wash clothes separately, wipe luggage, and call the 1422 hotline if a rash or fever appears. 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 clinics 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
• 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 CDC shows preparation must start weeks before travel. Clinics that assess risk and clean systematically can care for travellers safely. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for travel medicine clinics and vaccination rooms, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping observation chairs and beds every time.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268