The True Story: Cases Above the Seasonal Threshold

Paraguayan newspaper Última Hora reported on 18 April 2026 that Paraguay's Ministry of Health confirmed 59 deaths from respiratory viruses in 2026, and influenza-like illness at sentinel centres reached 1,911 in week 14, up 22% from 1,561 the week before, above the seasonal threshold.

The report said hospitalised patients were 22% aged 5–19, 21% under 2 and 21% aged 60 or over, with viruses found including rhinovirus, influenza A(H3N2) and other respiratory viruses.

The Key Lesson: One Trolley Passes Through Dozens of Hands a Day

Thai supermarkets and retail stores serve shoppers of every age daily, from toddlers to older people. Points to watch are:

• Trolley and basket handles through many hands
• Self-checkouts and card machines
• Tasting stations with shared containers
• Cashiers talking close to customers all day
• Staff rooms crowded at shift change

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 Supermarkets and Retail Stores

1. Trolley handles not wiped: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe sprays at trolley bays. Owner: branch manager
2. Checkouts touched all day: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe screens in rounds and encourage contactless payment. Owner: head cashier
3. Shared tasting containers: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: single-use tasting cups. Owner: department manager
4. Sick cashiers keep working: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: stand down with fever and arrange cover. Owner: branch manager
5. Staff rooms not disinfected: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat staff rooms after closing. Owner: branch manager

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Supermarkets

1. Place wipe sprays at trolley bays
2. Wipe checkouts in rounds
3. Encourage contactless payment
4. Use single-use tasting cups
5. Install clear screens at tills
6. Let sick staff rest
7. Fog and ozone-treat staff rooms after closing

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 respiratory deaths did Paraguay have? A: 59 in 2026, per the 18 April 2026 report.

Q: How much did flu-like illness rise? A: 1,911 in week 14, up 22% from 1,561.

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 retailers 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 Paraguay shows flu affects every age from toddlers to older people. Supermarkets that care for touch points let shoppers of all ages shop with confidence. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for sales floors, checkouts and toilets, and the ozone treatment service for staff rooms and branch offices after closing. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268