The True Story: High Levels for Weeks

CGTN reported on 22 February 2026, citing Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, that about 160,000 flu cases were reported in the second week of February, with high prevalence lasting several weeks.

The report said as of 15 February, 8,174 nurseries, kindergartens, elementary and junior high schools were fully or partly closed, and 35 of Japan's 47 prefectures were at alert level. Experts expected the season could last until March or April, with some people infected twice.

The Key Lesson: When Schools Close, Working Parents Must Take Leave

Thai industrial estate factories have thousands of shift workers, and many are Japanese firms that must keep production on schedule. Points to watch are:

• Production lines with workers close together
• Canteens and locker rooms used together at shift change
• Staff buses by the dozen
• Working parents on leave when children are ill or schools close
• Managers and engineers travelling to Japan during outbreaks

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 Factories in Industrial Estates

1. Workers ill at once stop the line: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: backup staffing and cross-line training. Owner: factory manager
2. Canteens packed at shift change: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: staggered breaks and hand gel. Owner: admin
3. Crowded staff buses: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: masks on buses in outbreaks. Owner: admin
4. Travellers from Japan with symptoms: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: screen symptoms after return. Owner: HR
5. Locker and rest rooms not disinfected: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat rest and locker rooms in rounds. Owner: safety manager

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Industrial Estate Factories

1. Plan backup staffing and cross-line training
2. Run on-site vaccination before the season
3. Stagger canteen breaks
4. Screen symptoms of returning travellers
5. Mask on staff buses in outbreaks
6. Place hand gel at every entry
7. Fog and ozone-treat rest and locker rooms

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 many flu cases did Japan record? A: About 160,000 in the second week of February 2026.

Q: How many schools closed in Japan? A: 8,174 fully or partly closed as of 15 February 2026.

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 factories get a tax invoice with 3% withholding? 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 long outbreaks hit both families and work. Factories with a plan keep production running. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for canteens, locker rooms and offices, and the ozone treatment service for staff rest rooms and meeting rooms. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268