Japan Sees Highest Flu Cases Since 1999

Japan had the most influenza cases in a week since 1999, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

In the week to December 29, 317,812 cases were reported at around 5,000 designated medical institutions. 64.39 cases per facility was above the warning level of 30 and up from 42.66 the previous week. This was the 10th consecutive week.

All 47 prefectures saw an increase from the previous week, 43 above the warning level. Oita Prefecture in Kyushu had the most cases with 104.84 cases per facility. Other Kyushu prefectures & major metropolitan areas also saw big increases, Osaka 67.53 and Tokyo 56.52.

A ministry official said the increased movement during the holiday season may have been a factor. In response to the rising numbers, the public was advised to take precautions such as wearing masks and washing hands thoroughly to prevent the spread.

Influenza, or flu, is a highly infectious viral disease of the respiratory system. Symptoms are high fever, body aches and cough. Most cases recover within a week but severe cases can lead to pneumonia or death.

Though flu and cold have similar symptoms such as runny nose and cough, flu symptoms are more severe and can be serious. Different viruses cause flu and cold so proper diagnosis and treatment is important.

Flu is one of the most common infectious diseases globally. In the US alone 20-40 million people get the flu every year.