The True Story: The Second-Earliest Epidemic in 20 Years

Business Standard reported on 13 October 2025 that Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) declared a nationwide influenza epidemic after about 3,000 sentinel institutions reported 6,013 cases, about two per institution and above the 1.00 threshold, with Okinawa highest at 12.18 per institution.

The season began about five weeks early, the second-earliest in 20 years, and about 135 schools, kindergartens and childcare facilities closed across several prefectures. Japanese authorities urged travellers to get vaccinated, mask in crowded indoor spaces, wash hands often and check their insurance covers care in Japan.

The Key Lesson: Tour Groups Share One Bus for Days, So One Case Reaches Everyone

Thai tour operators send many customers to Japan for autumn leaves and snow. Points to watch are:

• Tour buses shared for the whole trip
• Older travellers with chronic conditions
• Group restaurants with shared tables
• Tour leaders close to every guest
• Airport vans in Thailand after the trip

How Flu Spreads

According to the World Health Organization, seasonal influenza spreads easily where people gather, such as schools and nursing homes. It spreads through droplets when people cough or sneeze, and through hands that touch contaminated surfaces and then the eyes, nose or mouth. Most people recover within a week, but young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic illness are at risk of severe disease. Influenza is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Risk Register for Tour Operators

1. Guests fall ill mid-trip: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: insurance that covers treatment and a list of clinics. Owner: tour operations
2. Older guests unvaccinated: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: recommend vaccination at least 2 weeks before departure. Owner: sales team
3. Bus not wiped daily: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe handrails and seats daily. Owner: tour leader
4. Sick tour leader keeps working: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: keep a standby tour leader. Owner: company manager
5. Vans and office not disinfected after trips: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat vans and office in rounds. Owner: owner

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk for Tour Operators

1. Recommend vaccination before travel
2. Give masks and gel to every guest
3. Check travel insurance covers treatment
4. Wipe bus handrails daily
5. Keep standby tour leaders at peak
6. Seat symptomatic guests apart
7. Fog and ozone-treat vans and office after trips

How ULV Disinfection 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 reach.

• Whole-area coverage without relying on wiping spot by spot
• Quick return to use, typically about 30 minutes after fogging
• Uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page
• The team wears full protective equipment, so owners and staff do not take the risk themselves
• Report and photos after the job for customers, management or authorities
• Tax invoice with 3% withholding tax for companies and agencies

Ozone Treatment for Closed Rooms and Stuffy Spaces

The World Health Disinfection ozone treatment service uses machines that generate ozone gas from oxygen in the air. It suits closed rooms such as meeting rooms, bedrooms, classrooms, sick bays and vans, helping reduce germs in the air and on surfaces and removing stale odours. Ozone breaks back down into oxygen after treatment, leaving no residue.

• Works alongside disinfection fogging: spray or wipe surfaces first, then use ozone for the air and corners of closed rooms
• No people or pets in the room during treatment: the team seals the room and runs a timer
• Ventilate after treatment before normal use resumes
• Machines tested by Intertek, according to WHD's service page
• Ideal after someone has been ill, such as recovered patients' rooms, shared bedrooms and shuttle vans

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did Japan declare its flu epidemic? A: In early October 2025, with 6,013 reported cases, about five weeks earlier than usual.

Q: What did Japan advise tourists? A: Get vaccinated, mask in crowded indoor spaces, wash hands often and check insurance covers treatment.

Q: Does the fogging disinfectant work on flu? A: The team uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page, and influenza is an enveloped virus that suitable disinfectants can inactivate. Fogging does not replace vaccination or handwashing.

Q: Can I enter the room right after ozone treatment? A: No one should be in the room during treatment. Ventilate afterwards before normal use; the team will advise the right time for the room size.

Q: Can tour companies 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
• World Health Disinfection ozone treatment service
• Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant and price
• Influenza information from Thailand's Department of Disease Control, hotline 1422
• WHO seasonal influenza fact sheet

Prevent Flu with Disinfection Fogging and Ozone Treatment

The real news from Japan shows flu season can arrive before your customers' trip. Prepared tour operators are the ones customers book again. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for tour sales offices and customer lounges, and the ozone treatment service for parked vans and tour buses. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268