Every year, Japan experiences its flu season from late November or December to March. The season peaks around January or February. However, this time, the influenza season has arrived almost a month early – a second-earliest in 20 years. More than 4,030 people have been affected by the flu outbreak.
The most significant number of patients is reportedly in the Okinawa Prefecture, renowned worldwide through the book ‘Ikigai,’ which explores how the people of the region enjoy healthy longevity due to their lifestyle and diet.
Tokyo and Kagoshima have the largest number of patients after Okinawa. As per reports, authorities have urged the closure of more than 100 schools, kindergartens and childcare centres, and many hospitals are experiencing shortages of beds. Workplaces are also encouraging flexible attendance for employees.
Though no emergency measures are announced yet, officials have urged people to ensure they are vaccinated and maintain a personal hygiene. Photo: IANS
Crosses the epidemic threshold
According to the United Nations, an epidemic alert threshold indicates the level of incidence above which a disease requires an urgent response. According to Japan’s health ministry, the flu caseload has already crossed the epidemic threshold, with an average of 1.04 patients per institution. Though no emergency measures have been announced yet, officials have urged people to ensure they are vaccinated and maintain personal hygiene. Vulnerable patients like the elderly, children and those with chronic health issues are also asked to take special medical care.
What virus is causing the outbreak?
The strain of the virus causing the outbreak is not known yet. However, certain experts have warned that the flu virus might be mutating. “The flu season has started really early this year, but in the changing global environment, this might become a more common scenario,” Yoko Tsukamoto, a professor at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, was quoted as saying to the South China Morning Post. Tsukamoto added that global travel and population movement may be accelerating the virus’s ability to adapt to new conditions. “We are seeing a greater circulation of people, both in Japan and globally, with people taking the virus to new places, which is another factor behind the virus adapting to new environments,” Tsukamoto told the Post. She added that early flu seasons are also being reported in other countries.
Health measures, travel advisories
The Japanese Health Ministry has urged the general public to take precautions and follow measures, such as handwashing and wearing masks. It has also been advised to avoid unnecessary hospital visits. Various travel platforms are also asking tourists to follow hygiene standards similar to those of the pandemic years.
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AloJapan.com