The True Story: A Doctor Who Noticed First

On 20 May 2022, New South Wales reported Australia's first probable mpox case: a man in his 40s who had recently returned from Europe, with mild illness.

His GP recognised symptoms consistent with the disease and arranged urgent testing, while the man and a household contact isolated at home. Experts advised clinicians to be alert but not alarmed.

The Key Lesson: Physiotherapists Touch Every Client's Skin

Physiotherapy and therapeutic massage clinics in Thailand see dozens of patients a day. Points to watch are:

• Massage and joint mobilisation with direct hand-to-skin contact
• Treatment beds and bolsters used by patient after patient
• Covers and towels that must be changed for everyone
• Ultrasound heads and electrode pads in skin contact
• Exercise balls and equipment 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 Physiotherapy Clinics

1. Beds not wiped between patients: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: wipe beds and change covers for every patient. Owner: senior physiotherapist
2. Therapist misses a rash before touching: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: check the skin of the treatment area before every session. Owner: treating physiotherapist
3. Ultrasound heads and electrode pads not wiped: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe after every use per the maker's guidance. Owner: treating physiotherapist
4. Shared exercise equipment: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe after each patient. Owner: physiotherapy assistant
5. Patients with rashes wait with others: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: ask about symptoms when booking and schedule separately. Owner: appointments desk

Ways to Reduce Risk in Physiotherapy Clinics

1. Check the skin before treatment every time
2. Wear gloves when there is a rash or wound
3. Change bed covers for every patient
4. Wipe beds and bolsters after each patient
5. Wipe ultrasound heads and pads every time
6. Refer to a doctor at once for an unexplained rash
7. Fog the clinic outside opening hours 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: How was Australia's first case found? A: A GP recognised symptoms consistent with the disease and arranged urgent testing. Q: What should a physiotherapist do about an unexplained rash? A: Stop treating that area, advise a doctor visit, and wipe and disinfect the bed and equipment at once. 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 physiotherapy 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 Australia shows that alert frontline staff help find cases early. Physiotherapy clinics that check skin before treatment and disinfect beds after every patient protect both patients and staff. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for physiotherapy clinics, therapeutic massage clinics and rehab rooms, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping treatment beds, bolsters and exercise equipment.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268