The True Story: Flying Home After Learning a Contact Was Infected

In July 2022, the Dominican Republic confirmed its first mpox case, a 25-year-old man who flew in from the US on 28 June after learning that a contact in the US was infected.

He was isolated at the Air Force hospital, and four contacts were monitored, an example of someone who knew they were at risk still travelling and using services on the way.

The Key Lesson: Steering Wheels and Keys Pass to New Customers Daily

Rental counters at Suvarnabhumi, Phuket and Chiang Mai airports hand out dozens of cars a day. Points to watch are:

• Steering wheels and gear knobs held throughout the trip
• Keys and remotes passed to everyone
• Seats and seat belts in body contact
• Screens and controls touched by fingers
• Counters and contract pens everyone handles

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 Car Rental Businesses

1. Returned cars sent out without interior wiping: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe interior touch points of every car before handover. Owner: prep team lead
2. Keys and remotes not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe keys on every return. Owner: counter staff
3. Shared contract pens: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: use e-signatures or wipe pens. Owner: counter staff
4. No procedure for unusual stains in cars: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: quarantine the car and fully disinfect before use. Owner: branch manager
5. No whole-car disinfection: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog cars on a schedule. Owner: branch manager

Ways to Reduce Risk for Car Rentals

1. Wipe steering wheels and gear knobs before every handover
2. Wipe screens and controls in every car
3. Wipe keys and remotes on every return
4. Use e-signatures to cut pen sharing
5. Quarantine cars with unusual stains and fully disinfect
6. Install sanitiser at counters
7. Fog whole cars 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: How did the Dominican Republic's first patient travel? A: He flew home from the US on 28 June 2022 after learning a contact was infected. Q: When can a car be used after fogging? A: Usually about 30 minutes after fogging. 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 rental 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 the Dominican Republic is a reminder that people at risk may still travel and use services. Rental cars wiped at every handover protect the next customer. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for rental cars, car parks and branch offices, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping steering wheels, gear knobs, screens and keys.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268