The True Story: Tonsil Lesions and Five Housemates

On 20 July 2022, Costa Rica confirmed its first mpox case, a 34-year-old American who had lived there for two years and had recently returned from abroad. He had lesions on his tonsils, confirmed by PCR at the INCIENSA institute.

He had to isolate for 21 days, and five household members were monitored, showing that sharing a home is close contact that must be managed.

The Key Lesson: Shared Kitchens, Bathrooms and Sofas

Co-living houses in Chiang Mai, Phuket and Koh Phangan host residents from many countries who rotate weekly. Points to watch are:

• Shared bathrooms used all day
• Shared kitchens, plates and glasses washed by residents
• Living-room sofas and cushions sat and lain on
• Towels and sheets after move-outs that can be forgotten
• No isolation room when a resident is ill

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 Co-Living Houses

1. Resident with rash keeps using common areas: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: symptom-reporting policy and an isolation room or temporary relocation. Owner: house manager
2. Shared bathrooms not cleaned on a schedule: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: clean twice daily and wipe touch points. Owner: housekeeper
3. Linen not changed at move-out: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: linen checklist at every move-out. Owner: house manager
4. Dishes poorly washed: likelihood medium / impact low / level low. Mitigation: dish detergent and open drying racks. Owner: all residents
5. Rooms not disinfected before new residents: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog rooms before new arrivals. Owner: house manager

Ways to Reduce Risk in Co-Living Houses

1. Add a symptom-reporting policy to house rules
2. Prepare an isolation room or temporary stay
3. Clean shared bathrooms twice daily
4. Change all linen at every move-out
5. Use washable sofa covers washed weekly
6. Wipe handles and switches daily
7. Fog rooms before new residents arrive

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: What symptoms did Costa Rica's first patient have? A: Lesions on his tonsils, confirmed by PCR at INCIENSA; he isolated for 21 days. Q: What if a housemate falls ill? A: Separate rooms and bathrooms if possible, separate linen and belongings, see a doctor and call hotline 1422. 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 co-living houses or dorms 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 Costa Rica is a reminder that sharing a home is close contact. Co-living houses with a reporting rule and well-kept common areas let every resident live with confidence. Prevent it with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for co-living houses, shared dorms and common areas, and Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant for wiping shared bathrooms, kitchens, handles and switches.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268