Japan's Flu Season Starts Early: Tokyo, Okinawa Lead in Patients
Japan's influenza season has begun earlier than usual, with Tokyo and Okinawa leading in the number of flu patients per medical institution. The Health Ministry reports that the per-institution figure stood at 1.04 in the week through Sunday, marking the second-earliest start in two decades.
Tokyo had the second-highest count, with 1.96 patients per institution. Kagoshima and Fukuoka also had high patient counts, at 1.68 and 1.55 respectively. Surprisingly, Okinawa had the highest per-institution patient count, at 8.98, indicating a significant outbreak in the region.
On the other hand, some prefectures reported lower counts. Tottori saw the smallest count, at 0.03, while Akita, Iwate, and Tokushima also had low tallies. The ministry declares the start of a flu epidemic when the per-institution figure exceeds 1.0, which has now been met nationwide.
The early onset of the influenza season in Japan is a cause for concern. Health authorities will monitor the situation closely, especially in regions like Tokyo and Okinawa, which have seen high patient counts. Preventive measures and vaccinations are encouraged to mitigate the impact of the flu season.
Read also:
- Abu Dhabi initiative for comprehensive genetic screening, aiming to diagnose over 800 conditions and enhance the health of future generations in the UAE.
- Elderly shingles: Recognizing symptoms, potential problems, and available treatments
- Protecting Your Auditory Health: 6 Strategies to Minimize Noise Damage
- Exploring the Reasons, Purposes, and Enigmas of Hiccups: Delving into Their Origins, Roles, and Unsolved Aspects
