The True Story: A First Death with an Underlying Condition

On 29 July 2022, Brazil's Health Ministry confirmed the country's first death linked to mpox: a 41-year-old man in Belo Horizonte who, officials said, had weakened immunity and was being treated for cancer.

Officials stressed that serious underlying conditions affected the outcome. It shows that a disease many people recover from can be very severe in people with weak immunity.

The Key Lesson: Cancer Patients Need the Most Protection

Chemotherapy patients come to hospital often and share spaces with other patients. Points to watch are:

• Chemotherapy chairs where patients sit for hours and change all day
• Waiting and pharmacy areas where immunocompromised patients sit with others
• Blankets and pillows in infusion rooms that must be changed for every patient
• Family carers who come and go and may bring germs from outside
• Outpatient toilets shared by patients

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 Oncology Wards and Chemotherapy Rooms

1. Infusion chairs not wiped between patients: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: wipe chairs and armrests at every patient change. Owner: unit head nurse
2. Patients with rashes wait with others: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: screen for rashes at registration and provide a separate waiting room. Owner: triage nurse
3. Blankets and pillows passed on: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: change for every patient and send for infectious laundry. Owner: linen department
4. Unwell relatives visit: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: signs and symptom questions for relatives before entering. Owner: unit reception
5. No disinfection schedule for the whole unit: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: fog the unit on a schedule outside service hours. Owner: infection control team

Ways to Reduce Risk in Oncology Units

1. Screen for rashes and fever at registration
2. Provide a separate waiting room for unexplained rashes
3. Wipe infusion chairs at every patient change
4. Change blankets and pillows for everyone
5. Limit relatives with symptoms and have them wash hands before entering
6. Teach patients to watch for rashes and tell the team at once
7. Fog the whole unit outside service hours

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 risk factor did Brazil's first death have? A: Officials said he had weakened immunity and was being treated for cancer. Q: What should cancer patients do about a new rash? A: Tell the treating doctor at once, because people with weak immunity may become more seriously ill. 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 hospitals 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 Brazil is a reminder that immunocompromised patients face more severe illness. Cancer units that assess risk and disinfect rigorously protect them better. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for oncology wards, chemotherapy rooms and waiting areas, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping infusion chairs, armrests and bed rails.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268