The True Story: A Case Just Back from an Island Holiday

On 19 May 2022, Italy confirmed its first mpox case: a young man who had returned from the Canary Islands, treated at Rome's Spallanzani infectious diseases institute, with two more suspected cases under investigation.

Italy's count rose one by one in the following days. It shows that island holidays, where tourists share equipment and accommodation, are a time to take care.

The Key Lesson: Wetsuits and Masks Are Reused Every Day

Dive centres and water sports rentals in Phuket, Krabi, Koh Tao and Pattaya serve tourists from many countries. Points to watch are:

• Wetsuits in full-body skin contact and always damp
• Masks and snorkels touching the face and mouth
• Regulators held in divers' mouths
• Towels and cushions on dive boats that are shared
• Changing rooms and showers at centres and piers

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 Dive Centres and Water Sports Rentals

1. Rental wetsuits rinsed only in fresh water: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wash with a neoprene-safe product and dry fully every time. Owner: equipment manager
2. Masks, snorkels and regulators not disinfected: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: disinfect mouth and face contact parts for every user per maker guidance. Owner: dive instructor
3. Shared towels on the boat: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: one towel per customer, hot-washed. Owner: boat crew
4. Customer with a rash wears rental gear: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: ask about symptoms before rental and keep that day's returned suit separate. Owner: front desk
5. Changing rooms not cleaned during the day: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe after each group returns. Owner: centre housekeeper

Ways to Reduce Risk in Dive Centres

1. Wash wetsuits with a suitable product and dry fully
2. Disinfect masks, snorkels and regulators for every user
3. Give out towels per person
4. Ask customers about symptoms before renting gear
5. Wipe changing rooms and showers after every group
6. Wipe boat cushions and rails every trip
7. Fog the equipment room 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 Italy's first case? A: A young man just back from the Canary Islands, treated at Rome's Spallanzani institute. Q: Can Chemgene HLD4H be used on dive gear? A: Follow the gear maker's guidance for mouthpieces and special materials; Chemgene HLD4H can be used on changing room and boat surfaces. 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 dive centres 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 Italy is a reminder that island holidays are when tourists share the most equipment. Dive centres that disinfect gear for every user win repeat customers. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for dive centres, equipment rooms and dive boats, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping changing rooms, showers, boat cushions and rails.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268