The True Story: The Virus in a Third of Samples

Newswire reported on 15 October 2026 that Sri Lanka's Epidemiology Unit recorded rising influenza over three to four weeks, with about 35% of samples collected the previous week testing positive. Dr Palitha Karunapema, Chief Epidemiologist, said many current coughs, colds and fevers were linked to influenza and most patients recover within 3–4 days.

Earlier, the Daily Mirror reported on 25 September 2026 that Dr Chrishan Jude Jayamaha, a virologist at the National Influenza Centre, warned not to take painkillers and NSAIDs without advice, to consult a doctor before medication, and to see a doctor if fever lasts over two days, since flu can resemble dengue.

The Key Lesson: Counters Where Hundreds of People Come Every Day

Thai district offices and public service centres receive hundreds of visitors a day. Points to watch are:

• Service counters where staff talk close to visitors
• Pens and forms everyone uses
• Waiting seats in closed AC rooms
• Queue machines and fingerprint scanners
• Sick staff with no cover

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 Government Offices and Public Service Counters

1. Staff close to coughing visitors: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: clear screens and masks for coughing visitors. Owner: service supervisor
2. Shared pens: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: separate clean and used pens. Owner: counter staff
3. Crowded waiting area: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: online queue booking. Owner: office head
4. Shared fingerprint scanners: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe after every visitor. Owner: counter staff
5. Office not disinfected: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat service rooms after hours. Owner: office head

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk at Public Service Counters

1. Install clear screens at counters
2. Give masks to coughing visitors
3. Offer online queue booking
4. Separate clean and used pens
5. Wipe scanners after every visitor
6. Have sick staff rest and see a doctor not self-medicate
7. Fog and ozone-treat service rooms after hours

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: How much flu did Sri Lanka find? A: About 35% of samples in the week before the 15 October 2026 report were positive.

Q: Why did Sri Lankan doctors warn about painkillers? A: A virologist advised against taking NSAIDs without advice, to consult a doctor first, and to seek care if fever lasts over two days.

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 government agencies 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 Sri Lanka shows flu hides in ordinary coughs and colds. Well-protected service counters protect both staff and the public. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for waiting rooms, counters and toilets, and the ozone treatment service for service rooms and meeting rooms after hours. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268