Official announcements from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare

Japan's Influenza Cases Surge to 317,812, Exceeding Alert in 43 Prefectures

Jan 9, 2025, 06:28 AM

Japan is experiencing its worst influenza season on record, with the number of flu patients reported from approximately 5,000 medical institutions across the country reaching 64.39 per institution during the week of December 23 to 29, 2024. This figure marks the highest since the current statistical method was implemented in 1999. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare reported a total of 317,812 flu cases for that week, surpassing the 300,000 mark for the first time this season. The flu alert level, set at 30 patients per medical institution, was exceeded in 43 of Japan's 47 prefectures. The highest number of patients per institution was recorded in Oita Prefecture at 104.84, followed by Kagoshima at 96.40, Saga at 94.36, Kumamoto at 92.56, and Miyazaki at 90.24. The ministry has urged the public to take preventive measures such as frequent hand washing, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places to curb the spread of the virus.