Japan’s Influenza Cases Hit 10-Year High: Health Ministry Issues Warning

Monday, 18 December 2023 – 18:38 WIB

Japan – Japan’s central government said last weekend that the average number of patients infected with influenza at thousands of designated medical institutions nationwide had now reached the limit. warning and the highest level, in the last 10 years.

Across about 5,000 institutions, 166,690 patients had been reported in the week to December 10, with an average of 33.72 people per facility and exceeding the alert level of 30, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, reported The Japan TimesMonday, December 18 2023.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases estimates the number of patients nationally at around 1,118,000 in this period and is believed to increase.

This rapid spread reflects the decline in the average population’s immunity to influenza after the number of cases declined in recent years amid the implementation of anti-infection measures against the coronavirus pandemic.

Health experts also say the influenza virus is spreading about a month earlier than usual.

Coronavirus cases also increased for the third week in a row, authorities said.

Experts are calling for caution among the public, both Japanese citizens and tourists, amid concerns that the two viruses could spread further during end-of-year and New Year social gatherings in Japan.

The closure of schools and special classes has been mandatory at 6,382 education facilities nationwide for a week, the ministry said.

People wear masks in Japan.

Although influenza outbreaks usually occur in winter and late spring, this year there was an unusual increase in cases compared to August. The ministry warned against flu in October when cases exceeded the recommended level for that month of 10 people per institution.

“Individual steps to prevent infection are the same as those for COVID-19, including getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, and avoiding crowded places,” said Nobuhiko Okabe, head of the Kawasaki City Public Health Institute.

2023-12-18 11:38:01
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