The True Story: Numbers That Rose Within Days

In mid-May 2022, Portugal began confirming its first mpox cases, among the first in Europe in that outbreak.

A Eurosurveillance report noted that by 27 May 2022 Portugal had detected 96 confirmed cases. Numbers rising so quickly show that spread was happening before detection, and well-travelled cities feel the impact first.

The Key Lesson: Co-Working Spaces Are Where People from Many Countries Share Desks

Co-working spaces in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket host Thais and digital nomads from many countries. Points to watch are:

• Hot desks with no regular owner
• Fabric chairs and lounge sofas leaned on all day
• Phone booths and meeting pods small enclosed spaces
• Shared kitchens, coffee machines and fridges touched by everyone
• New members who have just arrived 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 Co-Working Spaces

1. Hot desks not wiped between users: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: put wipes and disinfectant in every zone, with two big wiping rounds a day. Owner: space manager
2. Coffee machines and fridges touched constantly: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe buttons and handles every 2 hours. Owner: housekeeper
3. Enclosed phone booths with little airflow: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: wipe booth desks after use and ventilate. Owner: space manager
4. Fabric lounge sofas never disinfected: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: switch to wipeable materials or fog on a schedule. Owner: owner
5. Members come in while unwell: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: communicate a stay-home policy and extend memberships. Owner: member services

Ways to Reduce Risk in Co-Working Spaces

1. Provide desk-wiping kits in every zone
2. Do big hot-desk wiping rounds twice a day
3. Wipe coffee machines and fridges on a schedule
4. Ventilate phone booths after use
5. Extend memberships for members who stay home sick
6. Choose wipeable furniture for lounges
7. Fog the whole space on closed days or after hours

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 fast did cases rise in Portugal? A: According to Eurosurveillance, there were 96 confirmed cases by 27 May 2022. Q: When should a co-working space be fogged? A: Outside opening hours or on closed days; the space can usually be used again about 30 minutes later. 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 co-working spaces 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 Portugal is a reminder that in well-travelled cities case numbers can rise fast. Co-working spaces that let members wipe their own desks and keep a clear disinfection schedule let everyone work with peace of mind. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for co-working spaces, meeting rooms and lounges, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping hot desks, coffee machines, fridges and phone booths.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268