The True Story: One Sauna Linked to Most of the Cases

On 20 May 2022, Spain reported 23 new confirmed mpox cases, bringing the total to 30. Most cases were in the Madrid region and were traced mainly to an outbreak at a single sauna, which the regional government ordered to close. Madrid's health chief said the department would analyse the data in detail to "cut the chains of transmission" and limit spread. All cases at that time were mild.

The Key Lesson: Places Where Skin Touches Shared Surfaces Are Risk Points

In saunas and spas, customers sit on wooden benches, use towels from a shared laundry system and stay close together in damp spaces. Businesses in Thailand that should pay attention include:

• Saunas and steam rooms in gyms and hotels
• Spas and Japanese-style onsen with shared baths and bathing rooms
• Locker rooms and showers used in common
• Towels, robes and slippers used in rotation
• Cleaning staff who collect large amounts of used linen every 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 Saunas and Spas

1. Towels and robes not laundered correctly: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: wash with hot water and detergent, and bag used linen. Owner: head housekeeper
2. Benches and surfaces in steam rooms not wiped during the day: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: wipe benches, handrails and handles hourly. Owner: zone attendant
3. Customers with a rash or sores using shared areas: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: signs asking customers not to use facilities with a rash, sores or fever. Owner: branch manager
4. Damp locker rooms and showers: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: ventilate, clean and fog after closing. Owner: cleaning team
5. No plan if officials report that a patient used the facility: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: prepare steps to close the area, deep clean and inform customers. Owner: business owner

Ways to Reduce Risk in Saunas and Spas

1. Put up signs asking customers not to use the facility with a rash, sores or fever
2. Use a towel to sit on in steam rooms and saunas every time
3. Wash towels and robes with hot water and detergent
4. Wipe benches, handrails and lockers on a schedule during the day
5. ULV-fog after closing on a schedule
6. Train staff to wear gloves when collecting used linen
7. Call the 1422 hotline if officials report that a patient used the facility

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 could a sauna spread mpox? A: The main route is close contact with an infected person's skin or sores, plus shared items such as towels. In Madrid in 2022, most cases were linked to a single sauna. Q: Does sauna heat kill the virus? A: Do not rely on heat alone. Clean and disinfect surfaces on a schedule. 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 spa chains request a quotation? A: Yes. 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 Madrid shows that one venue can become the centre of an outbreak. Businesses that assess risk and keep clean systematically protect both customers and their reputation. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for saunas and spas, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping benches and touch points during the day.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268