The True Story: Symptoms After an Island Holiday

On 24 May 2022, Slovenia's chief epidemiologist announced the country's first mpox case: a man who had arrived from the Canary Islands and developed symptoms after reaching Slovenia.

He was reported to be doing well. The case shows that tourists may use seaside facilities throughout a trip without any symptoms.

The Key Lesson: Seaside Cushions and Towels Are Shared All Day

Beach clubs, sun loungers and seaside bars in Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin and the islands serve hundreds of tourists a day. Points to watch are:

• Sun lounger cushions and bean bags in direct skin contact with swimwear
• Club towels that must each be hot-washed
• Showers and changing rooms shared after swimming
• Bar sofa cushions damp and constantly changing users
• Beach massage staff in direct skin contact with customers

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 Beach Clubs and Seaside Bars

1. Lounger cushions not wiped between customers: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe faux-leather cushions at every change and ask guests to lay a towel. Owner: beach staff lead
2. Towels washed together in cold water: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: hot-wash and dry fully. Owner: club manager
3. Heavy shower use in the afternoon: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: hourly cleaning at busy times. Owner: housekeeper
4. Massage staff do not check for rashes: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: check the skin of the area before massage and postpone if there is a rash. Owner: massage team lead
5. Fabric bean bags never cleaned: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: use removable washable covers and fog on a schedule. Owner: club manager

Ways to Reduce Risk in Beach Clubs

1. Wipe lounger cushions at every customer change
2. Hot-wash towels
3. Clean showers more often at busy times
4. Use washable bean bag covers
5. Check skin before massage every time
6. Place hand sanitiser at the bar and entrance
7. Fog the bar and changing rooms outside opening hours

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 did Slovenia's first case come from? A: A man who arrived from the Canary Islands and developed symptoms after reaching Slovenia. Q: Can Chemgene HLD4H be used on outdoor cushions? A: Yes on faux leather and plastic, wiping for the label contact time and letting it dry. 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 beach clubs 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 Slovenia is a reminder that symptoms may start after a trip ends. Beach clubs that look after cushions, towels and showers systematically let tourists relax with peace of mind. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for beach clubs, seaside bars and changing rooms, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping lounger cushions, bar counters and showers.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268