The True Story: The First Three Cases in Two Big Cities

On 23 June 2022, Colombian health authorities confirmed the country's first three mpox cases: two in Bogotá and one in Medellín.

Two of the patients had recently travelled to Europe. Finding cases in several cities at once shows the virus arrived with returning travellers and entered daily city life immediately.

The Key Lesson: Rental Outfits Are Worn Close to the Skin by Many People

Thai costume, evening dress, fancy dress and gown rental shops in Thailand rent the same outfit dozens of times a year. Points to watch are:

• Outfits worn against the skin especially at the neck, underarms and arms
• Fitting rooms where customers try on several outfits
• Returned outfits hung together with clean ones
• Jewellery and wigs worn in turn
• Return-counter staff handling many used outfits

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 Costume and Dress Rental Shops

1. Returned outfits hung with clean ones: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: separate rails and bags for outfits awaiting cleaning. Owner: returns staff
2. Rental outfits not washed or cleaned every time: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: wash or dry-clean after every return before renting again. Owner: owner
3. Staff handle used outfits bare-handed and shake them: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wear gloves, do not shake, and wash hands afterwards. Owner: staff supervisor
4. Wigs and jewellery not cleaned: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: use mesh caps under wigs and wipe jewellery every time. Owner: shop floor staff
5. Fitting rooms not wiped: likelihood medium / impact low / level low. Mitigation: wipe chairs and rails in fitting rooms several times a day. Owner: housekeeper

Ways to Reduce Risk in Dress Rental Shops

1. Separate rails for outfits awaiting cleaning from clean ones
2. Wash or dry-clean every outfit after return
3. Wear gloves for returns and do not shake outfits
4. Use mesh caps before trying on wigs
5. Wipe jewellery after every return
6. Wipe fitting rooms several times a day
7. Fog the costume store 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: Where were Colombia's first three cases? A: Two in Bogotá and one in Medellín; two had recently returned from Europe. Q: Will fogging damage stored outfits? A: ULV fogging produces a very fine mist; tell the team about delicate fabrics first, and outfits still need normal cleaning. 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 rental shops 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 Colombia is a reminder that the virus enters daily city life immediately. Rental shops that separate used outfits and clean every time let customers dress with confidence. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for dress rental shops, costume stores and fitting rooms, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping fitting rooms, rails, jewellery and counters.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268