The True Story: A First Case Infected Abroad

On 17 June 2022, Serbia's Batut Institute of Public Health announced the country's first confirmed mpox case, a person infected abroad.

The sample was confirmed at the Torlak institute, showing that national laboratories and outbreak investigators need to work together when an imported case appears.

The Key Lesson: Testers Touch Many Customers' Skin Each Day

Mall cosmetics counters have customers trying products all day. Points to watch are:

• Lipstick and lip balm testers that touch lips
• Makeup brushes and puffs that are shared
• Jar cream testers that many fingers dip into
• Mirrors and counters where hands rest all day
• Makeup chairs used one after another

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 Cosmetics Counters

1. Customers apply lipstick testers directly to lips: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: use single-use spatulas and no direct lip application. Owner: counter manager
2. Brushes and puffs shared without cleaning: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: use disposable brushes or clean and disinfect each time. Owner: beauty advisor
3. Jar testers allow finger dipping: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: use single-use scoops. Owner: beauty advisor
4. Counters and mirrors not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe on a schedule. Owner: beauty advisor
5. Staff make up customers with facial rashes: likelihood low / impact medium / level low. Mitigation: skip rash areas and suggest seeing a doctor. Owner: counter manager

Ways to Reduce Risk at Cosmetics Counters

1. Use single-use spatulas and scoops always
2. No direct application of lip testers
3. Use disposable brushes or disinfect them
4. Wash or sanitise hands before makeup
5. Wipe counters and mirrors on a schedule
6. Skip makeup over rashes
7. Fog counters after the mall closes

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: Who announced Serbia's first case? A: The Batut Institute of Public Health in June 2022; the patient was infected abroad. Q: How should lipstick testers be used safely? A: Use a single-use spatula to take product onto the back of the hand rather than applying to the lips. 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 cosmetics brands 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 Serbia is a reminder that imported cases can appear anywhere. Cosmetics counters that handle testers hygienically let customers try products with confidence. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for cosmetics counters, beauty zones and stockrooms, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping counters, mirrors and makeup chairs.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268