Over 4000 cases reported, schools shut, all you need to know
The spike forced many schools to close and put heavy pressure on hospitals, where wards became overcrowded. Healthcare workers are once again under pressure and this is being compared to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Japan is facing a serious flu epidemic that has emerged about five weeks earlier than usual. Health authorities have officially declared a national flu epidemic following a sharp increase in cases in several regions.
The spike forced many schools to close and put heavy pressure on hospitals, where wards became overcrowded. Healthcare workers are once again under pressure and this is being compared to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Health, as of October 3, more than 4,000 people were hospitalized with flu; This number is four times higher than the previous week. At least 135 schools and child care centers across the country have been temporarily closed to prevent the spread.
Experts are particularly concerned about the timing and intensity of this year’s outbreak. “The flu season started really early this year, but in the changing global environment this may become a more common scenario,” said Professor Yoko Tsukamoto from Hokkaido University of Health Sciences.
He urged people to take simple preventive steps like getting vaccinated, washing hands frequently and staying home when sick.
Health officials are also investigating whether the flu virus is mutating faster than before. Professor Tsukamoto suggested that population movement and international travel could help the virus adapt to new environments and spread. “This early increase in Japan mirrors what we’re seeing in other parts of the world,” he said. “Flu strains may be evolving to spread more efficiently or to resist standard treatments.”
The Ministry of Health reported that the national average of 1.04 flu patients per medical facility now exceeds the epidemic threshold and confirmed that the outbreak qualifies as a nationwide epidemic.
The worst-hit regions included Okinawa, Tokyo and Kagoshima, while Yamagata Prefecture temporarily closed an entire primary school after 22 out of 36 students showed flu symptoms. Authorities are urging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with existing health problems.
