The True Story: Thailand's DDC Warns About Diarrhoea and Norovirus

Bangkok Biz News reported on 18 December 2024 that DDC spokespersons Dr Jurai Wongsawat and Dr Weerawat Manosuthi said Thailand had 742,697 acute diarrhoea and food poisoning cases and 2 deaths in 2024, and that norovirus caused 17 outbreak events, or 20%.

The DDC said norovirus spreads easily, resists heat and common disinfectants, rises in the cool season and is not killed by alcohol. It advised washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, eating well-cooked food and cleaning surfaces with chlorine-based disinfectant.

The Key Lesson: Ordinary Disinfectant May Not Be Enough

Factory canteens in Thai industrial estates feed thousands of workers a day in short breaks, sharing trays, spoons and tables.

• Norovirus resists common products; use suitable ones such as chlorine
• Alcohol does not kill it, so enough sinks with soap are needed
• The cool season is the risk window, so clean more often
• Sick food handlers must stay off work
• Mass sick leave hits production; prevention pays

How Germs Spread Through Surfaces

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus spreads through sick people, food and contaminated surfaces. After vomiting or diarrhoea, clean and disinfect the entire area immediately with a 1,000 to 5,000 ppm chlorine bleach solution or a disinfectant with a norovirus claim, leaving it on for at least 5 minutes. For hand, foot and mouth disease, Thailand's Department of Disease Control advises cleaning classrooms, toilets and toys with suitable products such as disinfectant or diluted bleach.

Risk Register for Factory Canteens and Kitchens

1. Workers ill together after a meal: likelihood low / impact high / level medium. Mitigation: Food hygiene standards and scheduled germ elimination. Owner: Plant manager
2. Sick food handlers: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: Pre-shift screening and stay-home rule. Owner: Canteen contractor
3. Too few sinks at break times: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: Add sinks and soap. Owner: Welfare
4. Tables and trays in constant use: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: Wipe tables each round with suitable products. Owner: Canteen staff
5. Toilets near the canteen: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: Hourly cleaning at breaks. Owner: Housekeeping

7 Steps to Eliminate Germs in Factory Canteens

1. Add sinks and soap outside the canteen
2. Screen food handlers before every shift
3. Cook food thoroughly and reheat leftovers until very hot as advised
4. Wipe tables every break round with germ-appropriate products
5. Clean surfaces with chlorine-based products after vomiting or diarrhoea
6. Book the germ elimination service for canteens, kitchens and toilets when several workers fall ill
7. Ozone-treat staff rest rooms and sick bays when empty

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: What product does the germ elimination service use? A: Products are chosen by germ; for norovirus, suitable ones such as chlorine-based products as advised.

Q: Can it be done outside break times? A: Yes, after the last shift or on days off; areas are typically usable about 30 minutes later.

Q: What disinfectant does the germ elimination service use? A: The team chooses products by germ and setting, including Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 according to the product page. For norovirus, the CDC recommends chlorine bleach or a disinfectant with a norovirus claim; ask the team to choose the right product for the job.

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

Q: Can a factory 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
• Communicable disease information from Thailand's Department of Disease Control, hotline 1422
• CDC guidance on cleaning to prevent norovirus

Eliminate Germs with Disinfection Fogging and Ozone Treatment

The DDC stresses norovirus needs the right methods, so factory canteens should use suitable products and procedures. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for canteens, kitchens and toilets, and the ozone treatment service for staff rest rooms and sick bays. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268