The True Story: A First Case Aged 38

On 31 May 2022, Hungary announced its first confirmed mpox case, a 38-year-old man, reported by media the following day.

The patient was cared for and isolated during recovery, following the approach used across Europe at the time.

The Key Lesson: Massage Seats Touch One Person After Another

Coin-operated massage chairs in malls, airports and cinemas are used back to back with no attendant. Points to watch are:

• Arm and calf pockets where bare skin goes in
• Seats and backrests touching neck and arms
• Foot wells where some remove shoes
• Buttons and screens pressed every time
• Coin slots and payment scanners that everyone touches

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 Coin-Operated Massage Chairs

1. Limb pockets never wiped: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe inside pockets on a schedule with a material-safe product. Owner: machine operator
2. No covers or liners for users: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: provide replaceable covers. Owner: machine operator
3. Buttons and screens not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe several times a day. Owner: mall housekeeping
4. No hand sanitiser by machines: likelihood medium / impact low / level low. Mitigation: install sanitiser. Owner: machine operator
5. No zone-wide disinfection: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog the massage zone after mall closing. Owner: mall facilities

Ways to Reduce Risk for Mall Massage Chairs

1. Set a wiping schedule daily
2. Wipe limb pockets inside
3. Fit replaceable covers on seats
4. Wipe buttons and screens several times
5. Install sanitiser by machines
6. Post signs suggesting sleeves or socks
7. Fog the massage zone 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: Who was Hungary's first case? A: A 38-year-old man, announced on 31 May 2022, who isolated during recovery. Q: Can faux-leather seats be wiped? A: Yes, with a material-safe product for the label contact time; test a small area first. 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 machine operators 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 Hungary is a reminder that a first case can appear anywhere. Unattended massage chairs need an even clearer cleaning schedule. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for massage chair zones, rest areas and mall common areas, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping seats, pockets, buttons and screens.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268