Drug Shortages Hit Japan Amid Record Flu Outbreak and Panic Buying
Since flu cases in Japan hit a record high in late December last year, hospitals and pharmacies across the country have been grappling with shortages of flu medication. According to China Media Group, the scarcity is attributed to uneven stock distribution, exacerbated by excessive hoarding by certain medical institutions.
Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases estimated that from September 2, 2024, to January 26, 2025, the country recorded approximately 9.523 million flu cases, as per data released on January 31. The staggering numbers highlight the severity of the outbreak, marking one of the most significant flu seasons in recent history.
On January 11, 2025, Japan's 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—far surpassing the government's warning threshold of 30.
In response to the escalating situation, health officials have repeatedly urged citizens to adopt preventative measures such as wearing masks and practicing thorough handwashing. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and comply with health advisories to curb the spread of the virus.
Adding to the nation's public health challenges, 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 the outbreaks show no signs of slowing and that the situation may worsen, potentially breaking previous records.
The avian influenza outbreaks have also impacted the economy, particularly the poultry industry. The ministry noted a 15 percent increase in egg prices since the start of the year, reflecting the strain on supply caused by the mass culling of birds.
As Japan contends with these concurrent health crises, authorities emphasize the importance of public cooperation and adherence to health guidelines to navigate these challenging times.
(With input from Xinhua)
Reference(s):
Panic buying causes drug shortages in Japan amid flu outbreak
cgtn.com
