Hyogo Urges Influenza Prevention as Cases Reach Advisory Level for First Time This Season

From The Kobe Shimbun

October 15 2026

HYOGO – Hyogo Prefecture announced on October 15 that the spread of influenza in the prefecture had reached the advisory level for the first time this season.

The average number of patients per designated medical institution during the week of October 5–11 was 10.15, an increase of 2.61 from the previous week (September 28–October 4). The number exceeded the advisory threshold of 10 patients per designated institution approximately three weeks earlier than last season.

A total of 1,644 patients were reported by 162 designated medical institutions across the prefecture. Of these, 1,083, or 66 percent, were aged 14 or younger. Four areas exceeded the advisory threshold: the Takarazuka, Kakogawa and Naka-Harima Health and Welfare Offices, and the Kobe City Public Health Centre.

Hyogo Prefecture announced the start of the influenza season on September 10. Typically, the number of cases reaches the warning level—30 or more patients per designated medical institution—within one to two weeks of reaching the advisory level.

The prefectural government is urging residents to take preventive measures, including vaccination, handwashing, hand disinfection and wearing masks.