The True Story: A First Case Amid Spread to Many Countries

On 24 May 2022, the Czech National Institute of Public Health (SZU) confirmed the country's first mpox case. The patient was treated at the Central Military Hospital in Prague.

At the time WHO counted 131 confirmed and 106 suspected cases in 19 countries, most within a few weeks, showing how quickly a close-contact disease can spread when people travel.

The Key Lesson: Combat Sports Have the Most Skin Contact

Muay Thai camps and MMA gyms in Thailand have resident fighters and foreigners training short-term. Points to watch are:

• Clinching and grappling with prolonged skin-to-skin friction
• Loaned gloves and shin guards damp with sweat and passed on
• Grappling mats and ring floors in direct skin contact
• Hand wraps and towels that some people share
• Foreign trainees rotating in and out every week

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 Muay Thai Camps and Combat Gyms

1. Trainees with rashes still spar or grapple: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: skin checks before partner work and no sparring with a rash. Owner: head trainer
2. Loaned gloves and shin guards not disinfected: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe inside and out after use and air-dry. Owner: equipment keeper
3. Mats not wiped between classes: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe mats every class with disinfectant. Owner: assistant trainer
4. Shared hand wraps and towels: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: personal items only or single-use issue. Owner: front desk
5. Heavy use of showers and changing rooms: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe on several rounds a day. Owner: housekeeper

Ways to Reduce Risk in Muay Thai Camps and Combat Gyms

1. Check skin before partner work every class
2. Let trainees with rashes skip training without losing class fees
3. Wipe mats and ring floors every class
4. Disinfect loaned gloves and shin guards after use
5. Use personal hand wraps and towels only
6. Wipe showers several times a day
7. Fog the whole gym outside training 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: Where was the Czech first case treated? A: At the Central Military Hospital in Prague, confirmed by the national public health institute. Q: How should loaned gloves be disinfected? A: Wipe inside and out with a suitable disinfectant, then air-dry fully before lending again. 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 camps or gyms 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 the Czech Republic is a reminder that close-contact diseases spread fast. Muay Thai camps and combat gyms that check skin before training and disinfect equipment every class protect their fighters. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for Muay Thai camps, MMA gyms and martial arts gyms, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping mats, gloves, shin guards and ring floors.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268