The True Story: A Case with Very Few Contacts

On 9 July 2022, New Zealand's Ministry of Health announced the country's first mpox case: a person in their 30s living in Auckland who had recently returned from overseas travel to a country reporting cases.

The ministry said there was no evidence of community transmission, and the case had a very small number of contacts, who were told to watch for symptoms. Low-risk moments like this are the best time to prepare systems.

The Key Lesson: Libraries and Museums Are Where Items Are Handled All Day

Libraries and museums in Thailand welcome students, families and tourists. Points to watch are:

• Borrowed books that pass through hundreds of hands
• Audio guides and info tablets passed to every visitor
• Touchscreens and hands-on exhibits pressed and handled by children all day
• Reading cushions and sofas where people sit for long periods
• Toilets and nursing rooms shared by everyone

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 Libraries and Museums

1. Audio guides not wiped between users: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe on every return and change ear covers. Owner: equipment loan staff
2. Touchscreens and hands-on exhibits not wiped: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe every 2 hours with hand sanitiser beside each point. Owner: exhibitions team
3. Fabric cushions in reading corners not cleaned: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: use wipeable faux-leather cushions and fog on a schedule. Owner: facilities
4. Books returned by an unwell borrower go straight back out: likelihood low / impact low / level low. Mitigation: rest returned books and wipe plastic covers. Owner: librarian
5. Toilets and nursing rooms not wiped during the day: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: hourly wiping rounds on busy days. Owner: housekeeper

Ways to Reduce Risk in Libraries and Museums

1. Wipe audio guides on every return
2. Wipe touchscreens and hands-on exhibits on a schedule
3. Place hand sanitiser at entrances and exhibits
4. Wipe plastic covers of returned books before reshelving
5. Choose wipeable cushions for reading corners
6. Wipe toilets and nursing rooms hourly on busy days
7. Fog the building on closed days

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: Did New Zealand's first case pose a community risk? A: The ministry said there was no evidence of community transmission and very few contacts. Q: Are borrowed books risky? A: The risk is low, but wiping plastic covers and washing hands are good habits for any disease. 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 libraries or museums 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 New Zealand is a reminder that low-risk periods are the best time to prepare. Libraries and museums that look after borrowed and shared items give visitors confidence. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for libraries, museums and public learning spaces, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping reading tables, grab rails, toilets and loan counters.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268