The True Story: From Guayaquil to Several Provinces

Ecuador's first mpox case was detected on 6 July 2022 in the port city of Guayaquil. By 9 August 2022 cases had risen to 10, with new cases aged 20 to 49 in Santa Elena, Los Ríos and Azuay provinces.

One patient died on 8 August 2022 from pre-existing conditions. The spread from a port city to coastal provinces is a reminder that communities where people work and live close together need to be ready.

The Key Lesson: Fishing Crews Share Tight Spaces for Weeks

Fishing vessels in Thailand go to sea for days or weeks, with crews sleeping and eating in limited space. Points to watch are:

• Mattresses and blankets in crew quarters reused trip after trip
• Towels and clothes often shared on board
• The small toilet on board used by everyone
• Work gloves and waterproofs worn in turn
• Access to a doctor which is hard at sea

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 Fishing Vessels and Crews

1. Bedding not washed between trips: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: wash bedding every time in port and fog crew quarters. Owner: skipper
2. Crew share towels and clothes: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: issue named personal towels. Owner: skipper
3. Crew member develops a rash at sea with nowhere to separate: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: set a separate berth and a way to consult a doctor by radio or phone. Owner: vessel owner
4. Gloves and waterproofs worn in turn: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: issue per person and wash every trip. Owner: crew leader
5. No symptom check before sailing: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: ask about symptoms and check skin before every trip. Owner: company port officer

Ways to Reduce Risk on Fishing Vessels

1. Check crew symptoms before every trip
2. Issue towels, gloves and waterproofs per person
3. Wash bedding every time in port
4. Fog crew quarters and toilets between trips
5. Prepare a separate berth for anyone with a rash
6. Arrange a way to consult a doctor at sea
7. Wipe the on-board toilet 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: Where did Ecuador find its first case? A: In the port city of Guayaquil on 6 July 2022, before cases spread to several provinces. Q: Can a vessel be fogged while in port? A: Yes, and spaces can usually be used again about 30 minutes after fogging. 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 fishing companies 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 Ecuador is a reminder that the virus can spread from port cities to coastal communities. Fishing vessels where crews live close for weeks should assess risk and disinfect every time in port. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for fishing vessels, crew quarters and fishing ports, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping on-board toilets, grab rails and eating areas.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268