Japan is grappling with a severe flu outbreak that has led to record numbers of cases and caused widespread shortages of flu medication across hospitals and pharmacies. Since flu cases surged to unprecedented levels in late December last year, the healthcare system has been strained by uneven stock distribution and excessive hoarding by certain medical institutions.
According to data released on January 31 by Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases, approximately 9.523 million flu cases were recorded between September 2, 2024, and January 26, 2025. The final week of December 2024 was particularly alarming, marking the highest weekly flu caseload since record-keeping began in 1999. During that week, about 5,000 designated medical institutions reported 317,812 patients, averaging 64.39 cases per facility—more than double the government's warning threshold of 30.
Health officials have repeatedly urged citizens to take preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus. Recommendations include wearing masks in public spaces, practicing thorough hand hygiene, and avoiding crowded places when possible. Despite these efforts, the rapid increase in cases has led to panic buying, resulting in shortages of essential flu medications in some areas.
Compounding the public health challenges, Japan is also battling a surge of avian influenza outbreaks. In January alone, approximately 5 million chickens and other birds were culled across five prefectures to contain the spread of the virus. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries warned that the situation shows no signs of abating and may worsen, potentially breaking previous records.
The avian influenza outbreaks have had a significant impact on the economy, particularly in the agricultural sector. The ministry reported a 15 percent increase in egg prices since the start of the year, affecting both consumers and businesses.
The concurrent outbreaks of human and avian influenza have placed a considerable burden on Japan's healthcare system and economy. Officials are emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in following health guidelines to mitigate the spread of infections.
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Panic buying causes drug shortages in Japan amid flu outbreak
cgtn.com
