Japan is grappling with severe drug shortages as panic buying sweeps the nation amid a record-breaking flu outbreak. Hospitals and pharmacies have reported dwindling supplies of flu medication since late December last year, leaving many patients without critical treatments.
According to China Media Group, the shortages stem from uneven stock distribution, exacerbated by excessive hoarding by certain medical institutions. This has led to significant disparities in medication availability across the country.
Data released by Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases on January 31 revealed that approximately 9.523 million flu cases were recorded between September 2, 2024, and January 26, 2025. This unprecedented number highlights the severity of the outbreak.
Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare reported on January 11, 2025, that the final week of December 2024 saw the highest weekly flu caseload since record-keeping began in 1999. During that week, around 5,000 designated medical institutions reported a total of 317,812 patients, averaging 64.39 cases per facility—more than double the government's warning threshold of 30.
In response to the escalating crisis, health officials have repeatedly urged citizens to adopt preventative measures such as wearing masks and practicing thorough handwashing. Despite these efforts, the high transmission rate continues to strain the healthcare system.
Compounding the public health challenges, Japan is also experiencing a surge in avian influenza outbreaks. In January alone, approximately 5 million chickens and other birds were culled across five prefectures to contain the spread. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries warned that the outbreaks show no signs of slowing and could potentially break previous records.
The widespread culling has had a direct impact on the economy, particularly in the poultry industry. The ministry reported a 15 percent increase in egg prices since the start of the year, adding financial strain to consumers already facing the challenges of the flu epidemic.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in mitigating the spread of both human and avian influenza. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to recommended health guidelines.
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Panic buying causes drug shortages in Japan amid flu outbreak
cgtn.com
