The True Story: Island Parties Under Investigation

In May 2022, health authorities in the Canary Islands, Spain, investigated links between mpox cases and Pride events and parties in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, which drew attendees from many countries.

Patients in several countries had attended events there around the same time. It showed that a few days of close-contact events bringing together people from many countries can link cases across borders.

The Key Lesson: A Nightclub Is Where People Stay Close All Night

Nightlife venues in Thailand's tourist cities welcome customers from many countries every night. Points to watch are:

• Dance floors where people crowd together with prolonged skin contact
• Fabric sofas and seats in VIP zones with new groups every night
• Toilets used heavily all night
• Glasses and straws that must be washed properly
• Staff rooms and lockers shared across shifts

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 Nightclubs and Bars

1. VIP fabric sofas not cleaned: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe leather seating nightly and fog seating zones on a schedule. Owner: venue manager
2. Toilets not cleaned often enough: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: set hourly wiping rounds during opening hours. Owner: head of housekeeping
3. Big events draw customers from many countries: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: share symptom information and fog before and after events. Owner: event organiser
4. Staff with a rash keep working: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: time off to see a doctor without loss of income. Owner: HR manager
5. No plan if health officials report a case visited: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: prepare coordination steps and emergency fogging. Owner: owner

Ways to Reduce Risk in Nightclubs

1. Fog the whole venue before and after big events
2. Wipe sofas, tables and rails every night after closing
3. Clean toilets more often during opening hours
4. Wash glasses in hot water with suitable detergent
5. Post symptom information in a non-stigmatising way
6. Give staff with rashes time off to see a doctor
7. Make a plan to work with health officials if notified

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: Why was Maspalomas investigated? A: Because patients in several countries had attended Pride events and parties there around the same time. Q: Does a club have to close for fogging? A: No. Fogging can be done in the daytime when the club is closed, and the area can usually be used about 30 minutes later. 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 nightclubs 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 Gran Canaria is a reminder that a few days of parties bringing people from many countries into close contact can link cases across borders. Clubs that assess risk in advance can respond at once. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for nightclubs, bars and party venues, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping sofas, tables, grab rails and toilets.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268