Health authorities in Hong Kong have linked at least five instances of Mpox to the Hutong Club, an establishment that is essentially a gay bathhouse. Epidemiological investigations are currently underway, leading to the temporary closure of the club.
The Center for Health Protection stated that all five of the cases can be directly linked back to the Hutong Club. The latest patient, a 58-year-old man, presented on May 23 and developed a rash throughout his lower body on June 3. He was treated at the Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre and was subsequently confirmed positive for the Mpox virus. He is now in stable condition at Princess Margaret Hospital.
The sauna itself has been closed since May 26 while investigators seek to contact trace. The business owners have posted pictures on their website to show how they are sanitising the entire building.
Founded in 2012, The Hutong Club is a popular gay sauna in Hong Kong with an energetic ambience and theme nights. The venue also features special events, such as Muscular Night and Hanky Night, each with their own rules and qualifications. The club also sells key rings in various colors so patrons know each other’s sexual preferences.
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