Japan Reports Record-High Flu Cases

Japan’s health ministry has confirmed a record number of influenza cases, with an average of 64.39 patients per clinic in the last week of December, the highest since records began in 1999.

During that week, there were 317,812 reported flu cases, nearly three times the number from 2023. The average number of cases per clinic rose from 42.66 the previous week. All 47 prefectures have reported an increase in cases, with Oita Prefecture recording the highest average at 104.84 cases per clinic. Kagoshima and Saga followed closely with 96.4 and 94.36 cases per clinic, respectively. Tokyo recorded an average of 56.52 cases per clinic.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike acknowledged the rise in flu cases, noting that Tokyo is nearing the record high seen in 2019. She urged residents to consider their health and the risk of spreading infection when participating in public events.

Flu cases have reached the ministry’s ‘warning level’ in 43 prefectures, with an average of 30 or more cases per clinic. The surge has caused significant disruptions in the education sector, with 1,838 schools, daycare centers, and kindergartens closing or canceling classes, including 1,200 elementary schools, 391 middle schools, and 135 high schools. The outbreak is particularly concerning as students prepare for entrance exams.

Between September and December, 11,800 people were hospitalized due to the flu, with the majority being individuals aged 60 and older. The government has urged the public to wear masks and practice handwashing to prevent further spread.

With no signs of the flu outbreak slowing down, Health Minister Takamaro Fukuoka has warned clinics and pharmacies against over-ordering flu medications, as some pharmaceutical companies have had to suspend shipments due to unexpectedly high demand.

Sawai Pharmaceutical announced on Wednesday that it would suspend shipments of some influenza treatment drugs until the end of the month because of production issues stemming from the surge in demand. The company apologized for the disruption and stated they were working to address the supply issue.

COVID-19 cases are also rising, with an average of 7.01 patients per clinic, up from the previous week’s average of 5.48, and higher compared to last year.