The True Story: A First Case After a Trip to Portugal

In early June 2022, Greece's National Public Health Organisation (EODY) confirmed the country's first mpox case: a man who had travelled to Portugal, which had many cases at the time.

He was treated at Andreas Syngros Hospital in Athens in stable condition, with further testing under way. June is when many people must gather in exam rooms on fixed dates that cannot be moved.

The Key Lesson: Exam Day Is When Sick People Push Themselves to Come

University entrance, civil service, language and computer-based exams in Thailand bring hundreds or thousands of candidates per session. Points to watch are:

• Unwell candidates who do not want to lose their place and come anyway
• Exam desks and chairs used for several sessions a day
• Keyboards, mice and headsets at test centres passed between sessions
• ID check and sign-in points that everyone passes
• Toilets during breaks crowded all at once

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 Exam Venues and Test Centres

1. Candidates with rashes come anyway for fear of losing their place: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: separate exam rooms or rescheduling with a medical certificate. Owner: venue director
2. Keyboards and headsets not wiped between sessions: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe every session and use replaceable headphone covers. Owner: room invigilator
3. Desks and chairs not wiped between sessions: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe desks every session. Owner: support team
4. Crowded ID checks: likelihood medium / impact low / level low. Mitigation: split entry lanes and times. Owner: registration lead
5. Crowded toilets at breaks: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: extra cleaning before and after breaks. Owner: building housekeeper

Ways to Reduce Risk at Exam Venues

1. Offer rescheduling or separate rooms for unwell candidates
2. Fog exam rooms before exam day
3. Wipe desks, chairs and keyboards every session
4. Use replaceable headphone covers for listening tests
5. Place hand sanitiser at ID checks and room entrances
6. Clean toilets more often around breaks
7. Tell candidates in advance what to do if unwell

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 Greece's first case? A: A man who had travelled to Portugal, treated in stable condition at Andreas Syngros Hospital in Athens. Q: Why do exam venues need separate rooms? A: Unwell candidates rarely want to lose their place, and an option means they do not sit with everyone else. 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 universities or test 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 Greece is a reminder that disease travels while people must gather on fixed schedules. Exam venues that offer options to sick candidates and disinfect every session keep exams fair and safe. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for exam venues, computer-based test centres and teaching buildings, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping exam desks, chairs, registration points and toilets.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268