Infectious hazards of a homeless encampment:
(1) sewage handling
(2) contaminated water
(3) sexually-transmitted diseases
(4) viral hepatitis C, HIV, tuberculosis and other communicable diseases
(5) diseases transmitted by fleas, lice, rats and mice
Environmental and physical hazards in a homeless encampment:
(1) methamphetamine laboratories
(2) temperature extremes during winter and summer
(3) assault
(4) rape
(5) rubbish
(6) fire
(7) toxic exposures
(8) economic loss to surrounding businesses and communities
(9) scorpions and spiders
(10) sharps, especially needles
Risk factors associated with increased risk:
(1) substance or alcohol abuse
(2) mental illness
(3) lack of healthcare and of vaccination
(4) criminal activity
(5) prostitution
