The True Story: A First Case Who Flew in from Madrid

In June 2022, Venezuela confirmed its first mpox case, a man who flew in from Madrid to the country's main airport near Caracas.

He was isolated immediately, and officials traced contacts from the flight onward.

The Key Lesson: Dishes, Cash and Tables Shared with the World

Street food stalls in Yaowarat, Khao San and night markets serve Thais and tourists alike. Points to watch are:

• Plates, bowls and cutlery washed in one basin
• Cash and coins handled before food
• Plastic tables and chairs used one after another
• Condiment bottles picked up by everyone
• Table cloths one used all night

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 Street Food Stalls

1. Dishes washed in unchanged water: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: three-step washing and frequent water changes. Owner: stall owner
2. Vendors handle cash then food: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: separate cashier or use tongs and gloves. Owner: stall owner
3. One table cloth used all night: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: rotate several cloths and wash daily. Owner: stall staff
4. Condiment bottles not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe bottles on a schedule. Owner: stall staff
5. No deep cleaning of the stall: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: wash and wipe stall and tables regularly. Owner: stall owner

Ways to Reduce Risk at Street Food Stalls

1. Wash dishes in three steps and change water often
2. Separate cash hands from food hands
3. Use tongs and gloves to serve
4. Rotate several table cloths through the night
5. Wipe tables and condiments on a schedule
6. Accept QR payment to reduce cash handling
7. Wipe the stall and tables 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 had Venezuela's first patient flown from? A: Madrid; he was isolated immediately after detection. Q: Does mpox spread through food? A: The main route is close contact with a patient or contaminated objects, so hygiene of hands, dishes and surfaces matters. 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 food vendors or market operators 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 Venezuela is a reminder that travellers carry infection across continents. Street food stalls that manage dishes, hands and tables systematically protect the reputation of Thai street food. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for night markets, food courts and street food areas, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping tables, chairs, condiment bottles and stalls.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268