The True Story: A First Case with No Close Contacts in the Country

On 28 June 2022, Estonia confirmed its first mpox case, a middle-aged man who was infected abroad.

Officials said he had no close contacts in Estonia, but prevention in shared public venues still matters, because the next case may not be as careful as the first.

The Key Lesson: Rental Shoes and Balls Are Shared Lane After Lane

Mall bowling alleys host families, students and company parties. Points to watch are:

• Rental bowling shoes worn back to back all day
• Bowling ball finger holes fingers go into
• Score screens and buttons everyone taps
• Lane sofas used group after group
• Hand dryers shared by all

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 Bowling Alleys

1. Rental shoes not disinfected between renters: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: spray inside after return and require socks. Owner: counter manager
2. Ball finger holes not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe balls and finger holes on a schedule. Owner: lane staff
3. Score screens and buttons not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe after every group. Owner: lane staff
4. Lane sofas not wiped: likelihood medium / impact low / level low. Mitigation: wipe after every group. Owner: lane staff
5. Shoe room never disinfected: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog the shoe room after closing. Owner: manager

Ways to Reduce Risk in Bowling Alleys

1. Require socks every time
2. Spray inside rental shoes after return
3. Wipe balls and finger holes on a schedule
4. Wipe score screens and buttons after every group
5. Wipe lane sofas after every group
6. Install sanitiser at every lane
7. Fog the shoe room 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: Did Estonia's first case have contacts in the country? A: Officials said he had no close contacts in Estonia. Q: How should rental shoes be disinfected? A: Spray the inside for the label contact time, let them dry before renting again, and require socks. 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 bowling alleys or entertainment centres 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 Estonia is a reminder that prevention in shared spaces should not depend on luck. Bowling alleys that care for shoes and balls every round let families play with confidence. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for bowling lanes, shoe rooms and common areas, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping bowling balls, score screens and lane sofas.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268