Tokyo, February 1, 2025 — Japan is grappling with unprecedented flu outbreaks that have led to panic buying and significant shortages of medication in hospitals and pharmacies across the nation. Since flu cases hit a record high in late December last year, the healthcare system has been strained, with uneven stock distribution and excessive hoarding by certain medical institutions exacerbating the crisis.
According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, from September 2, 2024, to January 26, 2025, Japan recorded approximately 9.523 million flu cases. Data released on January 31 highlights the severity of the situation, marking one of the most challenging flu seasons in recent history.
The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare reported that the final week of December 2024 saw the highest weekly flu caseload since record-keeping began in 1999. Approximately 5,000 designated medical institutions reported 317,812 patients during that week, averaging 64.39 cases per facility — more than double the government's warning threshold of 30 cases.
In response to the escalating outbreak, health officials have repeatedly urged citizens to adopt stringent precautions, including wearing masks and practicing thorough hand hygiene. Public awareness campaigns are in full swing, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Compounding the public health crisis, Japan is also experiencing a surge in avian influenza outbreaks. In January alone, around 5 million chickens and other birds were culled across five prefectures. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries warned that these outbreaks show no signs of slowing down and may potentially break previous records.
The avian flu crisis has had a ripple effect on the economy, particularly in the agricultural sector. Egg prices have soared by 15 percent since the start of the year, according to official reports. The ministry is closely monitoring the situation and is formulating strategies to mitigate the impact on food supplies and prices.
The dual outbreaks of human influenza and avian influenza pose significant challenges for Japan's healthcare system and economy. Authorities are working tirelessly to manage the crises, urging cooperation from the public and stakeholders to navigate these unprecedented times.
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Panic buying causes drug shortages in Japan amid flu outbreak
cgtn.com
