The True Story: Two First Cases and Contaminated Linens

In June 2022, Iceland confirmed its first two mpox cases, middle-aged men who had travelled in Europe and who were not seriously ill.

Officials said patients must isolate for up to three weeks until sores heal, and warned the virus can spread through contaminated linens as well as close contact.

The Key Lesson: Shared Linen and Bare-Skin Spaces

Hot springs and onsen in Ratchaburi, Chiang Mai and Ranong have bathers all day. Points to watch are:

• Loaned towels and yukata against bare skin
• Benches and stools in bathhouses sat on unclothed
• Wash bowls and stools used one after another
• Lockers and baskets handled by many
• Changing rooms with floors damp all 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 Hot Springs and Onsen

1. Used towels and yukata piled together: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: bag or use lidded bins and wash hot. Owner: head housekeeper
2. Bathhouse benches not wiped: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: rinse and wipe on a schedule. Owner: pool attendant
3. Wash bowls and stools not cleaned: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: rinse and wipe after every user. Owner: pool attendant
4. Guests with sores or rashes bathe: likelihood low / impact medium / level low. Mitigation: signs asking guests with sores or rashes not to bathe. Owner: manager
5. Changing rooms never fully disinfected: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog after closing. Owner: manager

Ways to Reduce Risk at Hot Springs

1. Shower before every soak
2. Separate used linen in lidded bins
3. Wash towels and yukata hot
4. Wipe benches and stools on a schedule
5. Wipe lockers and baskets daily
6. Post signs against bathing with sores or rashes
7. Fog changing rooms 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: What did Iceland warn about linens? A: Officials said the virus can spread through contaminated linens as well as close contact. Q: Does hot mineral water disinfect? A: It should not be relied on. Surfaces, linen and equipment around the pools still need scheduled 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 hot springs or resorts 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 Iceland is a reminder that contaminated linen is one route for the virus. Hot springs that manage linen and bare-skin areas systematically let guests relax with confidence. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for bathhouses, changing rooms and hot spring zones, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping benches, stools, lockers and baskets.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268