The True Story: A First Case and Vaccine for Carers

On 28 May 2022, Ireland's Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed the country's first mpox case, in the east. The patient was not hospitalised, and a second suspected case awaited test results.

Public health traced close contacts, mpox became a notifiable disease, and the HSE sourced a smallpox-based vaccine for healthcare workers and higher-risk close contacts, showing that carers need protecting from the start.

The Key Lesson: Disability Carers Touch Clients Every Day

Disability care centres and supported living homes in Thailand have carers who bathe, dress and move clients every day. Points to watch are:

• Bathing and dressing with direct skin contact
• Wheelchairs and walking aids held at every transfer
• Adjustable beds and pressure mattresses used by successive clients
• Clients with limited communication whose rashes may be noticed late
• Shared activity rooms with shared equipment

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 Disability Care Centres

1. Rashes noticed late in clients with limited communication: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: daily skin checks during bathing, recorded. Owner: senior carer
2. Carers bathe and dress clients without gloves when there are wounds: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: gloves whenever there is a wound or rash, and handwashing between clients. Owner: key worker
3. Wheelchairs and walking aids not wiped: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe handles and seats daily and before a change of user. Owner: care assistant
4. Pressure mattresses reused without disinfection: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: disinfect the mattress surface before a new user. Owner: centre nurse
5. Carers unaware of post-exposure vaccine guidance: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: a procedure for contacting public health when there is exposure. Owner: centre director

Ways to Reduce Risk in Disability Care Centres

1. Check clients' skin daily during bathing
2. Wear gloves when there are wounds or rashes
3. Wipe wheelchairs and walking aids daily
4. Disinfect beds and mattresses before a new user
5. Keep towels and clothes individual
6. Contact public health about vaccination after exposure
7. Fog rooms and activity spaces 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 did Ireland protect staff? A: The HSE sourced a smallpox-based vaccine for healthcare workers and higher-risk close contacts. Q: How can carers spot rashes in clients who cannot communicate? A: Check skin during daily bathing and record any changes. 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 care centres or foundations 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 Ireland is a reminder that carers must be protected from the start. Disability care centres that check skin daily and disinfect equipment systematically protect both clients and carers. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for disability care centres, supported living homes and activity rooms, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping wheelchairs, walking aids, adjustable beds and grab rails.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268