Last updated: 12 Nov 2026 | 2 Views |
South Africa's mpox cases rose to 26, with officials warning stigma keeps people from care. What should gyms with shared mats, towels and equipment prepare, without stigmatising anyone?
EWN reported on 19 October 2026 that South Africa had 26 confirmed mpox cases, 18 in the Western Cape, with cases appearing in provinces that previously had none.
Health spokesperson Foster Mohale said stigma is a major barrier that deters people from seeking care; close contacts should visit a health facility even without symptoms, and positive cases should isolate for at least 21 days.
Mpox spreads through close contact with rashes or sores and through contaminated items like towels or mats. Gyms should apply the same hygiene standard to every member, not target any group, and keep members' health information confidential.

Highlights: UK disinfectant that meets EN 14476 and is trusted by NHS England according to the product page, available for foggers and as a spray
Best for: Use with ULV foggers in hospitals, clinics, hotels and offices
Why it ranks here: Wipes mats, benches and equipment in daily cleaning rounds
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Highlights: 30 wipes per pack, easy to carry for instant wiping of touch points
Best for: Wiping handles, desks and phones during the day
Why it ranks here: In every zone for members to wipe equipment before and after use
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Highlights: German Airofog brand, 15-30 micron droplets, 5 L tank, only 3.1 kg for easy handheld use
Best for: Small to medium rooms, clinics, homes, guest rooms and vans
Why it ranks here: Fogs class studios and locker rooms after closing
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Highlights: Uses steam above 100°C with no chemicals, ideal for fabrics and crevices sprays cannot reach
Best for: Mattresses, sofas, curtains, hotel beds and bedbug treatment
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Highlights: German Airofog brand, 800 W motor, 15-30 micron droplets, 5 L tank, works with water-based disinfectants
Best for: Indoor fogging of medium to large buildings such as offices, schools and hospitals
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Highlights: Longray 2680A-II, 800 W motor, 6 L tank, adjustable 5-50 micron droplets, about 5 kg according to supplier data
Best for: Shops, classrooms, guest rooms and daily fogging
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CHEMGENE brand illustration
Highlights: From the same family as HLD4H, recommended by WHD for homes, kindergartens and childcare centres according to its website
Best for: Homes, childcare centres, kindergartens and offices
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Highlights: 4.1 hp engine, 12 L chemical tank, reach up to 12 m, droplets under 30 microns
Best for: Large outdoor areas, warehouses, factories, farms and markets
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Highlights: 50 L tank, mist reach up to 10 m, adjustable output
Best for: Communities, villages, estates and medium farms
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Highlights: 18 hp engine, 75 L tank, mist reach up to 10 m
Best for: Large areas such as municipalities, industrial estates and big farms
See product and price - click here| Rank | Product | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CHEMGENE HLD4H | High-level medical-grade disinfectant | Use with ULV foggers in hospitals, clinics, hotels and offices |
| 2 | WELLGIENIC | Disinfecting wet wipes | Wiping handles, desks and phones during the day |
| 3 | AIROFOG U240 | Lightweight electric ULV fogger | Small to medium rooms, clinics, homes, guest rooms and vans |
| 4 | STEMAR | Disinfecting steam cleaner | Mattresses, sofas, curtains, hotel beds and bedbug treatment |
| 5 | AIROFOG U260 | Electric ULV fogger | Indoor fogging of medium to large buildings such as offices, schools and hospitals |
| 6 | ULV 2680A | Value electric ULV fogger | Shops, classrooms, guest rooms and daily fogging |
| 7 | CHEMGENE HLD4L | Disinfectant for homes and children's areas | Homes, childcare centres, kindergartens and offices |
| 8 | SOLO PORT 423 | Backpack mist blower | Large outdoor areas, warehouses, factories, farms and markets |
| 9 | AIROFOG UM2 | Truck-mounted fogger, 2 nozzles | Communities, villages, estates and medium farms |
| 10 | AIROFOG UM4 | Truck-mounted fogger, 4 nozzles | Large areas such as municipalities, industrial estates and big farms |
Before: Mats and towels passed around with no cleaning schedule.
After: Wipe points in every zone, hot-washed towels and after-hours fogging. Every member feels safe.
If buying equipment is not practical or the area is too large, use the World Health Disinfection disinfection service or ozone treatment service. The team wears full protective equipment, chooses products to suit the germ and surface, and reports after the job.
Q: How should gyms talk about mpox? A: Use health-authority information, never stigmatise any group, and stress the same hygiene standard applies to all; anyone with a rash should see a doctor or call 1422.
Q: How long before the area can be used? A: After ULV fogging, areas are typically usable about 30 minutes later. For ozone treatment, no people or pets may be inside and the room must be ventilated before use.
Q: Can I get a tax invoice? A: Yes. Tax invoices are issued and 3% withholding tax is supported. Call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.
Follow disease updates from Thailand's Department of Disease Control (hotline 1422) and the World Health Organization. Disinfection reduces germs in the environment and is not medical treatment; anyone with symptoms should see a doctor.
South Africa warns that stigma undermines disease control. Gyms with one clean standard for everyone earn members' trust.
Keywords: gym, fitness centre, mpox, Chemgene HLD4H, WELLGIENIC, disinfection service