The True Story: Cases More Than Doubled in Days

On 20 May 2022, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) confirmed the country's first mpox case.

By 30 May 2022, RIVM reported that cases had more than doubled to 26. A rise this quick is a reminder that spread happens through close everyday contact, and items shared in skin contact deserve attention.

The Key Lesson: Passenger Helmets Are Worn All Day by Different People

Motorbike taxis and ride-hailing riders in Thailand hand the same helmet to dozens of passengers a day. Points to watch are:

• Helmet inner padding touching scalp, forehead and sweat
• Chin straps touching face and neck
• Rider vests and pillion seats sat on and held by passengers
• Rear grab handles held by everyone
• Taxi stands and waiting chairs shared by riders

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 Motorbike Taxis and Ride-Hailing Riders

1. Passenger helmets never cleaned: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: use helmets with removable washable liners or offer single-use hair caps. Owner: stand leader
2. Chin straps not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe straps and rims several times a day. Owner: rider
3. Passenger has a rash on the head or face: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: keep a separate spare helmet and wipe it right after use. Owner: rider
4. Seats and rear handles not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe during the day, especially at rush hour. Owner: rider
5. Taxi stand not cleaned: likelihood medium / impact low / level low. Mitigation: wipe stand chairs and tables daily. Owner: stand leader

Ways to Reduce Risk for Motorbike Taxis

1. Use helmets with removable liners and wash them regularly
2. Offer single-use hair caps to passengers who want them
3. Wipe chin straps and rims several times a day
4. Wipe seats and rear handles during the day
5. Carry hand sanitiser for passengers
6. Wipe the taxi stand and chairs daily
7. Fog helmets and equipment 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 fast did Dutch cases rise? A: From the first case on 20 May 2022 to 26 by 30 May, according to RIVM. Q: Can helmets be wiped with disinfectant? A: The shell, rim and straps can be wiped; remove and wash inner padding per the maker's guidance. 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 transport companies or rider groups 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 Netherlands is a reminder that close-contact diseases can rise fast. Motorbike taxis that look after helmets and grab points give passengers confidence on every ride. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for taxi stands, rider pick-up points and equipment stores, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping helmet shells, chin straps, seats and rear handles.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268