The True Story: A Case with No Travel to an Affected Area

On 19 May 2022, Santé publique France confirmed the country's first mpox case: a 29-year-old man in Île-de-France who had not travelled to a country where the virus circulates. His case was not severe and he isolated at home.

Officials said he had to isolate until the last scabs fell off, usually about three weeks, while close contacts were traced and surveillance was stepped up. An isolation period that long affects every organisation's staffing.

The Key Lesson: Bank Branches Are Where the Whole City Must Come

Bank branches and financial institutions in Thailand serve every kind of customer every day. Points to watch are:

• ATMs and deposit machines pressed by hundreds a day
• Pens and signature pads passed to every customer
• Cash windows and note trays with notes and hands passing constantly
• Waiting chairs where customers sit for long periods
• Staff isolating for three weeks which affects branch staffing

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 Bank Branches

1. ATM screens and buttons not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe on a schedule with a device-safe product and hand sanitiser beside machines. Owner: branch manager
2. Shared pens and signature pads: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe hourly or use pick-up pens collected for disinfection. Owner: receptionist
3. Staff isolating about three weeks with no backup: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: cross-branch backup teams and continuity plans. Owner: area manager
4. Staff with a rash still work the counter: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: clear sick leave policy and a doctor visit. Owner: HR
5. No whole-branch disinfection schedule: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog the branch on a schedule outside opening hours. Owner: facilities

Ways to Reduce Risk in Bank Branches

1. Wipe ATMs and deposit machines on a schedule
2. Place hand sanitiser at machines and counters
3. Wipe pens, signature pads and note trays hourly
4. Set up cross-branch backup teams for isolating staff
5. Send staff with rashes home to see a doctor
6. Wipe waiting chairs several times a day
7. Fog the branch 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: How long did France's first case have to isolate? A: Until the scabs fell off, usually about three weeks. Q: What should ATMs be wiped with? A: Use the product the ATM maker recommends for screens; Chemgene HLD4H can be used on counters, chairs and trays. 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 banks or financial institutions 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 France is a reminder that a patient may have no travel history and need a long absence. Bank branches that look after touch points and plan staffing in advance keep serving customers. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for bank branches, financial institutions and customer service centres, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping counters, note trays, waiting chairs and signature pads.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268