The True Story: A First Case in the Helsinki Region

In late May 2022, the Helsinki and Uusimaa hospital district announced Finland's first confirmed mpox case, detected in the Helsinki region.

At the time several European countries were announcing their first cases, showing that a disease spread by close contact and contaminated objects can reach major cities within weeks.

The Key Lesson: Rental Gear Worn Against the Body Is Reused Every Session

Mall ice rinks in Thailand welcome children, families and tourists every day. Points to watch are:

• Rental skates damp with sweat and worn every session
• Helmets and knee and elbow pads against the skin
• Loaned gloves passed on without washing
• Benches for putting on skates used by everyone
• Rink rails held by hundreds of hands a day

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 Ice Rinks

1. Skates not disinfected between renters: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: spray or wipe inside skates and require socks. Owner: rink manager
2. Helmets and pads reused without wiping: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe after every return and use mesh liners. Owner: rental counter staff
3. Loaned gloves not washed: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: sell cheap gloves or wash daily. Owner: rink manager
4. Rink rails not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe rails at every ice resurfacing. Owner: rink staff
5. Skate benches and floors not cleaned: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe on a schedule and fog after closing. Owner: housekeeper

Ways to Reduce Risk in Ice Rinks

1. Require socks every time
2. Disinfect inside skates after return
3. Wipe helmets and pads every time
4. Use mesh liners under helmets
5. Wipe rink rails at every resurfacing
6. Wipe skate benches on a schedule
7. Fog the equipment room after closing

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 was Finland's first case found? A: In the Helsinki region, announced by the Helsinki and Uusimaa hospital district in May 2022. Q: How can skates be disinfected? A: Spray or wipe the inside for the label contact time, then let them dry before renting again. 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 rinks or malls 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 Finland is a reminder that disease reaches big cities fast. Ice rinks that look after rental gear worn against the body let families skate with confidence. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for ice rinks, equipment rooms and mall sports zones, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping rails, benches, helmets and pads.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268