The True Story: Three Cases, All Back from Abroad

On 14 July 2022, Saudi Arabia announced its first mpox case, in Riyadh: a traveller who had returned from abroad, who later recovered. All close contacts tested were negative.

On 27 July 2022, two more cases who had returned from Europe were reported, bringing the total to three. Authorities urged travellers to follow health guidance. People back from abroad usually return straight to normal life, including entertainment venues.

The Key Lesson: VR Headsets and Headphones Touch One Face After Another

Gaming centres, arcades and VR cafés in Thailand have players rotating all day. Points to watch are:

• VR headsets and face cushions in contact with facial skin and sweat
• Over-ear headphones passed to a new player every hour
• Controllers, mice and keyboards gripped for long periods
• Gaming chairs in faux leather or fabric that players lean on
• Closed gaming booths with little ventilation

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 Gaming Centres and VR Cafés

1. VR face cushions not changed or wiped: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: single-use face covers or wiping for every player. Owner: venue manager
2. Headphones passed on without wiping: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe ear cushions or use replaceable covers. Owner: front desk
3. Controllers and keyboards not wiped between players: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe at every player change. Owner: zone attendant
4. Player has a rash on the face or hands: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: offer to reschedule or use personal equipment. Owner: front desk
5. No whole-venue disinfection schedule: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog the venue on a schedule outside opening hours. Owner: owner

Ways to Reduce Risk in Gaming Centres and VR Cafés

1. Use single-use VR face covers
2. Wipe VR headsets per the maker's guidance for every player
3. Use replaceable headphone covers
4. Wipe controllers, mice and keyboards at every player change
5. Place hand sanitiser in every zone
6. Air closed booths between players
7. Fog the venue 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: What was the history of Saudi Arabia's cases? A: The first returned from abroad and two more from Europe, three in total by late July 2022. Q: What should VR headsets be wiped with? A: Follow the maker's guidance for lenses and electronics; Chemgene HLD4H can be used on outer plastic, controllers and chairs. 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 gaming venues 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 Saudi Arabia is a reminder that people back from abroad return to normal life at once. Gaming centres and VR cafés that look after headsets and grip points protect every player. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for gaming centres, arcades and VR cafés, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping controllers, mice, keyboards and gaming chairs.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268