“Pool Fever” Cases Reach Alert Level in 10 Japan Prefectures

From Jiji

November 11 2023

TOKYO – The number of reported cases of so-called swimming pool fever has reached the alert level in 10 of Japan’s 47 prefectures, according to a survey by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases. 

Local governments are calling for people to wash hands and avoid sharing towels with others.

Pharyngoconjunctival fever, known as pool fever in Japan, is caused by adenovirus infection and common among children. It is often transmitted by droplets or contact.

Symptoms such as fever, sore throat and pinkeye appear after an incubation period of five to seven days. In many cases, patients recover naturally. Outbreaks often peak in summer, but the disease can spread throughout the year.

According to the institute, 7,635 patients were reported from about 3,000 monitored pediatric hospitals nationwide in the week through Oct. 29. The per-institution count has been at the highest level in 10 years since early September.