The True Story: A First Case Confirmed in Sarajevo

On 13 July 2022, Sarajevo University Clinical Centre confirmed the first mpox case in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Confirmation at a university hospital shows how important referral of symptomatic people to testing facilities is when a new disease enters a country.

The Key Lesson: Hundreds of Bare Hands Grip the Same Holds

Climbing and bouldering gyms in Bangkok and Chiang Mai serve Thai and foreign climbers. Points to watch are:

• Wall holds gripped by bare, sweaty hands
• Loaned chalk bags many hands dip into
• Rental climbing shoes worn barefoot
• Rental harnesses strapped close to the body
• Crash mats sat and lain on

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 Climbing Gyms

1. Rental shoes worn barefoot back to back: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: spray inside after return and air-dry. Owner: gym manager
2. Shared loaned chalk bags: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: sell or encourage personal bags. Owner: gym manager
3. Holds never washed: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: remove and wash at every route reset. Owner: route-setting team
4. Harnesses not cleaned: likelihood medium / impact low / level low. Mitigation: wipe and wash per manufacturer guidance. Owner: gym manager
5. No disinfection of mat areas and changing rooms: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog after closing on a schedule. Owner: gym owner

Ways to Reduce Risk in Climbing Gyms

1. Spray inside rental shoes after return
2. Encourage personal chalk bags always
3. Wash holds at every route reset
4. Clean harnesses per manufacturer guidance
5. Install handwashing points near exits
6. Wipe crash mats daily
7. Fog changing rooms 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 confirmed Bosnia's first case? A: Sarajevo University Clinical Centre, on 13 July 2022. Q: Can harnesses be wiped with disinfectant? A: Follow the manufacturer's guidance, as some chemicals weaken fibres; safety equipment needs special care. 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 climbing gyms 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 Bosnia is a reminder that confirmation works when symptomatic people see a doctor. Climbing gyms that care for rental shoes and holds make climbing safer for everyone. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for climbing gyms, changing rooms and mat areas, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping crash mats, benches and rental counters.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268