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Tokyo, Japan – January 10, 2025
Japan is grappling with the largest influenza outbreak in a quarter-century, with the nation’s health ministry reporting a staggering surge in cases during the last week of December. From December 23 to 29, 317,812 individuals were diagnosed with the flu, according to data collected from 5,000 medical clinics across the country.
This figure marks a threefold increase compared to the same period in 2023, when 104,612 cases were recorded. It is also the highest weekly tally since influenza tracking began in 1999.
The sharp rise in cases reflects a concerning trend, with Japan not alone in experiencing an unusual surge in winter flu infections. Neighboring countries and regions in the Northern Hemisphere, including France and Britain, have also reported steep increases in cases.
Health experts note that the flu season in Japan and other countries traditionally peaks during the winter months, but this year’s outbreak has outpaced previous records, raising alarms about its scale and potential impact on healthcare systems.
Globally, similar trends are being observed. Australia reported over 350,000 laboratory-confirmed flu cases last year, surpassing its previous record of 313,615 cases in 2019, according to the country’s national diseases surveillance system.
Japanese health authorities are urging vigilance, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and other preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding crowded places, to curb the spread of the virus.
The health ministry plans to monitor the situation closely and bolster its response to manage the unprecedented surge in cases. As hospitals and clinics brace for continued pressure, the public is being encouraged to seek medical attention early if symptoms arise.
This historic flu outbreak serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by infectious diseases and the need for robust public health systems to respond effectively to such crises.
