The True Story: An Imported Case and an Outbreak Declaration

On 24 July 2022, Liberia confirmed an mpox case in Maryland County that was imported from neighbouring Côte d'Ivoire, and declared an outbreak on 25 July.

WHO's Africa office reported that Liberia stepped up surveillance at points of entry to detect symptomatic travellers.

The Key Lesson: Massage and Compresses Touch Skin Directly

Thai traditional medicine clinics in community and private hospitals serve clients every day. Points to watch are:

• Therapists' hands touching clients' skin
• Herbal compresses that some clinics re-steam and reuse
• Herbal steam rooms where clients sit in turn
• Sarongs, pha khao ma and bed sheets against skin
• Massage beds and pillows used 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 Thai Traditional Medicine Clinics

1. Massage or compresses over rashes or bumps: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: take a history, check skin and skip those areas. Owner: clinic traditional practitioner
2. Compresses reused on several people: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: use individual or single-use compresses. Owner: clinic head
3. Sarongs and sheets not changed: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: change for every client and wash hot. Owner: assistant practitioner
4. Steam room benches not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe after every session. Owner: assistant practitioner
5. No clinic-wide disinfection: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog massage and steam rooms on a schedule. Owner: clinic head

Ways to Reduce Risk in Thai Traditional Medicine Clinics

1. Take a history and check skin before treatment
2. Skip massage and compresses over rashes
3. Wash hands before and after every client
4. Use compresses individually
5. Change all linen for every client
6. Wipe beds and steam benches every session
7. Fog massage and steam rooms 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: Where did Liberia's case come from? A: It was imported from neighbouring Côte d'Ivoire and confirmed in Maryland County on 24 July 2022. Q: Does herbal steam disinfect? A: Steam in the room is not a surface disinfection method; benches and linen still need cleaning every session. 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 clinics or hospitals 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 Liberia is a reminder that disease crosses land borders. Thai traditional medicine clinics that check skin and use individual equipment let clients relax safely. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for massage rooms, herbal steam rooms and waiting areas, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping massage beds, steam benches and pillows.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268