Japan flu: Japan has declared a nationwide influenza epidemic five weeks earlier than usual, with cases rising fast enough to cross the government’s epidemic threshold, according to the Ministry of Health, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported.
Designated clinics reported 4,030 cases in the week of September 22, nearly 1,000 more than the previous week. At least 135 schools, kindergartens and childcare centres have temporarily closed amid outbreaks among children, local authorities said.
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Health officials say the early surge suggests the virus may be spreading more efficiently in the post-pandemic environment. “The flu season has started really early this year, but in the changing global environment this might become a more common scenario,” said Yoko Tsukamoto, professor at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido. She added that reports of reduced responsiveness to conventional antivirals are emerging in Japan and elsewhere.
The uptick is most pronounced in Okinawa, Tokyo, Kagoshima and Yamagata, with 28 of 47 prefectures reporting week-over-week increases. Hospitals in several regions have reported crowded wards and longer waits, though authorities have not reinstated broad restrictions.
Officials are urging residents and visitors to get vaccinated early, wash hands frequently, improve indoor ventilation and wear masks in crowded settings or when symptomatic. Vulnerable groups, including young children, older adults and people with underlying conditions, are being asked to take particular care.
Travel advisers echo the guidance as inbound tourism remains strong. Basic precautions like hand hygiene, ventilation and masking when needed, “go a long way,” said Tokyo-based analyst Ashley Harvey.
With cases expected to peak earlier than normal, schools and workplaces have been advised to adopt flexible attendance policies and to keep symptomatic individuals at home. Authorities continue to monitor regional trends and treatment effectiveness as the season unfolds.
