The True Story: The First Two Cases and Community Communication

In October 2024, Zimbabwe confirmed the country's first two mpox cases while mpox was a public health emergency of international concern. The WHO Regional Office for Africa supported contact tracing, laboratory testing and risk communication.

Risk communication with communities often relies on community and religious leaders, because places of worship are where many people gather and listen to guidance.

The Key Lesson: Places of Worship Are Where Communities Gather

Temples, churches and mosques in Thailand welcome hundreds of people on important days. Points to watch are:

• Mats, carpets and cushions where worshippers sit and bow
• Handshakes or touch in ceremonies part of some traditions
• Loaned shawls and garments passed between visitors
• Foot-washing areas and toilets shared by everyone
• Charity kitchens where many volunteers help

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 Places of Worship

1. Loaned shawls and garments not washed between users: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: wash after each loan or ask visitors to bring their own. Owner: caretaker
2. Mats and carpets not cleaned after big events: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: vacuum, wipe or fog after important days. Owner: committee
3. People with rashes attend services: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: religious leaders encourage those with symptoms to rest and see a doctor. Owner: religious leader
4. Heavy use of toilets and foot-washing areas: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: more cleaning rounds on important days. Owner: volunteers
5. Kitchen volunteers do not wash hands: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: set up handwashing points and provide gloves. Owner: kitchen lead

Ways to Reduce Risk in Places of Worship

1. Wash loaned shawls and garments after each user
2. Clean mats and carpets after important days
3. Clean toilets more often on busy days
4. Set up handwashing points at entrances and kitchens
5. Have religious leaders communicate about resting when a rash appears
6. Fog the building before and after big events
7. Wipe stair rails and door handles daily

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: When did Zimbabwe find its first cases? A: In October 2024, when it confirmed its first two cases. Q: Can a place of worship be fogged without disrupting services? A: Yes. Fogging is done outside service times, and the space can usually be used again in about 30 minutes. 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 foundations or places of worship 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 Zimbabwe is a reminder that disease response relies on communities. Places of worship that assess risk and keep clean become both safe spaces and trusted voices. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for temples, churches, mosques and meeting halls, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping stair rails, door handles and kitchen tables.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268