Biggest Avian Flu Outbreak This Season Occurs in Ibaraki
An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed at a poultry farm in the town of Yachiyo, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, the prefectural government said Sunday.
Category: Influenza
Influenza cases on rise across Japan
Influenza is on the rise across Japan, with weekly case counts increasing in all 47 prefectures. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases and other organizations say about 5,000 hospitals and clinics across the country reported seeing 211,049 flu patients in the seven-day period up to December 22.
Japanese Princess Aiko Diagnosed with Influenza
Japanese Princess Aiko has been diagnosed with influenza, the Imperial Household Agency said Monday. The 23-year-old princess, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, canceled her planned participation in an event to celebrate the 91st birthday of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, held at his residence in Tokyo’s Minato Ward the same day.
Flu Season Starts in Japan
The number of flu patients reported from about 5,000 regularly monitored medical institutions across the country in the week through Sunday was 1.04 per facility. The number exceeded 1.0, indicating that the flu season has begun. The start came slightly earlier than the average year. By prefecture, Okinawa logged the highest figure with 10.64 patients, followed by Shizuoka with 2.09, Chiba with 2.00, Oita with 1.66 and Fukui with 1.62.
Serious Generic Drug Shortage Hits Japan amid Flu Spread
A shortage of generic drugs is becoming serious in Japan amid the spread of influenza and the novel coronavirus, prompting the health ministry to make all-out efforts to sort out a structural issue haunting the industry.
Influenza Cases in Japan Remain Above Epidemic Level
The average number of cases reported by some 5,000 medical institutions came to 1.66, up 0.4 from the preceding week.
The figure had never remained above the threshold in July since the current counting method began in 1999, according to the ministry.
Japan May See Next Influenza Season Start in October
According to Japan’s health ministry, the average number of flu patients per regularly monitored hospital across the country stood at 1.29 in the week through June 18. Since peaking in mid-February, the number has remained above 1.0, indicating that flu infections are still spreading.
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