Japan Declares Nationwide Flu Epidemic
Health ministry declared that a nationwide epidemic of influenza started on Oct 3, as weekly monitoring of flu cases exceeded the “time-specific” epidemic threshold for two consecutive weeks across Japan, making it the second-earliest start in over two decades. The announcement came after 4,030 patients were treated for the flu over one week in some 3,000 monitored medical institutions.
Why it matters
- The surge is a week or two earlier and bigger than normal, taxing hospitals; leading to temporary closures of more than 100 schools and daycare centers in an effort to halt the spread.
- The surge is a week or two earlier and bigger than normal, taxing hospitals; leading to temporary closures of more than 100 schools and daycare centers in an effort to halt the spread.
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The numbers (so far)
- Week of Sept 22–28: 4,030 patients; average 1.04 patients per monitored facility — above the epidemic threshold.
- In the week after: cases continued to rise, and officials called for vaccinations and vigilance across the country.
What officials and experts say
- The government alert stresses vaccination, masking if crowded/indoors and part of the immune-compromised or at risk, and staying home when feeling ill; experts note Asia-wide surges and changing strains may increasingly be resulting in longer flu seasons.
Travel & public guidance
- As of Oct 8, there are no U.S. CDC travel health notice against Japan’s flu No specific advice is currently available for Japan with regard to Influenza (seasonal). However standard flu-season precautions should be considered including vaccination and use of hand sanitizer.
Is this a “new pandemic”?
- No. It is an important, early seasonal flu outbreak in Japan not the declaration of a new global pandemic. Health agencies are monitoring for serious/new variants, but current indicators haven’t altered pandemic status Official guidance is that routine activities of daily living remain safe.
Bottom line:Japan’s flu season has come about five weeks early and is rampant, straining hospitals and causing school closings. Keep up with guidance from local health authorities and get vaccinated if you are eligible.
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