Prime Highlights:
- Japan has announced a nationwide flu outbreak after flu cases surged rapidly, with some regions like Okinawa and Tokyo experiencing especially high infection rates.
- The flu season started five weeks earlier than usual, causing widespread school closures and putting pressure on hospitals, particularly in paediatric and geriatric wards.
Key Facts:
- As of October 10, 6,013 flu cases were reported from about 3,000 medical institutions, surpassing the official epidemic threshold of 1.00 cases per institution.
- Approximately 135 schools and childcare centres have closed recently, triple the number from last year, with hospitals facing increased demand for antiviral treatments and beds.
Background
Japan has announced a nationwide flu outbreak after an early and rapid increase in flu cases, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) reported. As of October 10, medical facilities across the country recorded 6,013 cases from about 3,000 designated institutions, exceeding the official epidemic threshold of 1.00 cases per institution.
Some regions reported much higher local intensity. Okinawa recorded 12.18 cases per institution, while Tokyo and Kagoshima were also among the worst-hit areas. Schools, kindergartens, and childcare centres have been particularly affected, with around 135 closures in the past two weeks, roughly three times more than last year. A Yamagata primary school closed after 22 of 36 students showed flu-like symptoms.
Public health experts are concerned because the season started five weeks earlier than usual, marking the second-earliest nationwide epidemic in 20 years. Hospitals are reporting crowded outpatient departments, especially in paediatric and geriatric wards, with rising demand for beds and antiviral treatments. Some specialists warn that circulating strains may be mutating to spread faster.
Authorities are urging the public to get vaccinated, especially the elderly, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic illnesses. People showing symptoms should stay home and seek medical advice early to avoid crowding emergency services. Mask use, handwashing, and cough etiquette are recommended, particularly in crowded indoor spaces.
Tourists and visitors should keep good hygiene, wear masks in high-risk places, and make sure their travel insurance covers medical care in Japan.
The early surge in Japan is part of a broader rise in influenza activity across Asia, including Singapore, Thailand, and India. WHO regional monitoring systems are tracking the evolution of flu strains and may adjust vaccine recommendations for future seasons.
