The True Story: A Case in the Homeless Shelter System

On 1 August 2022, the City of Toronto, Canada, confirmed an mpox case in a person using the city's homeless shelter system, and moved the person to an isolation and recovery site. Toronto had 291 cumulative cases at the time, and officials traced contacts and worked with shelter operators.

The Key Lesson: Homeless Shelters Need Isolation Space and a Cleaning System

Shelters and charities in Thailand care for people who sleep together and share belongings. Points to care for are:

• Shared beds, mattresses and bedding that change users often
• Shared toilets and shower areas
• Donated clothing, which must be washed before distribution
• Volunteers and staff in close contact with residents
• Isolation space for people with symptoms

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 Homeless Shelters and Charities

1. Residents with a rash or fever sleeping among others: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: screen at intake and coordinate with public health to move them to isolation. Owner: shelter manager
2. Mattresses and bedding not washed between users: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: hot-wash and disinfect mattresses every time. Owner: volunteer housekeeping team
3. Shared toilets cleaned irregularly: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: clean on rounds and wipe touch points. Owner: sanitation team
4. Volunteers without protective equipment: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: provide enough gloves and masks. Owner: volunteer coordinator
5. The shelter not disinfected after a case: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: keep an emergency fogging plan and a reserve budget. Owner: charity director

Ways to Reduce Risk for Shelters and Charities

1. Screen for symptoms at intake respectfully
2. Coordinate with public health to refer symptomatic people to isolation
3. Wash bedding and disinfect mattresses every time users change
4. Wash donated clothing before distribution
5. Clean shared toilets on rounds
6. Provide protective equipment for volunteers
7. Fog the shelter on a schedule and after a case

How ULV Fogging Helps

The [World Health Disinfection disinfection service]({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]({PRODUCT}). 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 did Toronto handle the case in its shelter system? A: The person was moved to an isolation and recovery site, and contacts were traced. Q: Where should a charity with a tight budget start? A: With the critical risk: washing bedding and disinfecting mattresses, and contact local public health for advice. 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 charities 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]({SERVICE})
• [Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant and price]({PRODUCT})
• 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 Toronto shows homeless shelters need both isolation space and a cleaning system. Shelters that assess risk can care for residents and volunteers safely. Prevent it with the [World Health Disinfection disinfection service]({SERVICE}) for shelters, emergency accommodation and shared toilets, and [Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant]({PRODUCT}) for wiping mattresses, beds and shared touch points.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268