The True Story: A First Case Back from Italy and Spain

On 24 June 2022, Croatia confirmed its first mpox case, a man who had just returned from Italy and Spain, diagnosed at the Fran Mihaljević infectious disease hospital in Zagreb.

The patient had mild illness and self-isolated at home while contacts were traced, an example of travellers carrying infection across borders in tourist season.

The Key Lesson: Cabins, Linen and Gear Are Reused Every Trip

Yachts and charter boats in Phuket, Phang Nga and Pattaya welcome tourists from around the world. Points to watch are:

• Cabins where sheets and pillows must change every trip
• Towels and sun pads against bare skin
• Snorkel masks and tubes that touch the mouth
• Small onboard bathrooms with little airflow
• Life jackets worn close and often damp

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 Yacht Charters

1. Cabin linen not changed every trip: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: change linen every trip and roll used linen without shaking. Owner: captain or lead crew
2. Snorkel masks not disinfected between guests: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wash and disinfect after every use. Owner: dive guide
3. Sun pads not wiped: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: use personal towels and wipe pads after trips. Owner: crew
4. Damp life jackets stored together: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: rinse, dry and wipe. Owner: crew
5. Cabins never disinfected throughout: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog cabins on a schedule. Owner: boat owner

Ways to Reduce Risk on Yacht Charters

1. Change cabin linen every trip
2. Roll used linen without shaking
3. Disinfect masks and snorkels after use
4. Wipe sun pads and rails after trips
5. Rinse and dry life jackets daily
6. Clean onboard bathrooms every trip
7. Fog cabins 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 had Croatia's first patient travelled? A: Italy and Spain; he was diagnosed at the Fran Mihaljević hospital in Zagreb. Q: How should snorkel masks be cleaned? A: Wash with soapy water, disinfect with a product suited to the material for the label contact time, and rinse before the next guest. 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 charter companies 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 Croatia is a reminder that tourists carry infection across borders in high season. Yachts that look after linen and gear every trip keep guests confident. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for cabins, bedrooms and boat decks, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping pads, rails, life jackets and onboard bathrooms.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268