The True Story: Infection Within a Family Reached a Baby

On 7 June 2023, Sri Lanka reported that a woman and her baby were infected with mpox after returning from Dubai, with the mother reportedly infected by her husband.

Both were treated at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID). It shows close contact at home can carry the virus to infants, who need special care.

The Key Lesson: Mats, Toys and Wraps Are Shared

Mother-and-baby classes, early childhood centres and infant care bring several families together. Points to watch are:

• Crawling and play mats babies lie and crawl on
• Rattles and teethers that go in babies' mouths
• Swaddles and cloth nappies against skin
• Changing tables used in turn
• Hands of parents and teachers holding several babies

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 Mother-and-Baby Classes

1. Families with rash or fever still attend: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: screen before class and postpone when anyone at home is ill. Owner: centre manager
2. Mouthed toys not cleaned between classes: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: clean toys every class and rinse with clean water. Owner: class teacher
3. Changing tables not wiped: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: use liners and wipe after every use. Owner: teaching assistant
4. Teachers hold several babies without handwashing: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: wash hands before and after holding each baby. Owner: class teacher
5. Crawling mats not disinfected: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe mats every class and fog the room after closing. Owner: centre manager

Ways to Reduce Risk in Mother-and-Baby Classes

1. Screen for symptoms before class
2. Postpone when anyone at home is ill
3. Clean toys every class
4. Ask families to bring their own swaddles
5. Wipe changing tables every time
6. Wash hands before and after holding babies
7. Fog activity 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: How were the mother and baby in Sri Lanka infected? A: The mother reportedly caught it from her husband after returning from Dubai, and it spread to the baby through close contact at home. Q: When can a children's room be used after fogging? A: Usually about 30 minutes after fogging; wipe surfaces children touch with clean water before use as advised. 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 childcare centres 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 Sri Lanka is a reminder that infection within families can reach infants. Mother-and-baby classes that screen families and care for toys protect the most vulnerable. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for activity rooms, early childhood centres and infant care, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping crawling mats, changing tables and activity room surfaces.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268