Japan is grappling with an unprecedented flu outbreak that has led to panic buying and subsequent drug shortages across the nation. Since flu cases surged to a record high in late December last year, hospitals and pharmacies have struggled to maintain adequate supplies of flu medication.
According to reports from China Media Group, the shortage stems from uneven stock distribution, worsened by excessive hoarding by certain medical institutions. This has left many patients unable to access necessary treatments during the peak of the flu season.
Data released on January 31 by Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases estimated that from September 2, 2024, to January 26, 2025, approximately 9.523 million flu cases were recorded. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years and has put immense pressure on the country's healthcare system.
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. Around 5,000 designated medical institutions reported 317,812 patients during that week alone, averaging 64.39 cases per facility – more than double the government's warning threshold of 30.
In response to the escalating outbreak, health officials have repeatedly urged citizens to adopt preventive measures such as wearing masks and practicing thorough handwashing. Public health campaigns have been intensified to educate the population on how to curb the spread of the virus.
Compounding the situation, Japan is also experiencing a surge in avian influenza outbreaks. Approximately 5 million chickens and other birds have been culled across five prefectures in January to contain the spread of the virus. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries warned that the outbreaks show no signs of slowing and the situation may worsen, potentially breaking previous records.
The avian flu outbreak has also impacted the economy, particularly the poultry industry. The ministry reported a 15 percent increase in egg prices since the start of the year, affecting both consumers and businesses reliant on poultry products.
As Japan faces these concurrent health crises, authorities are working to manage the shortages and mitigate the impact on the population. The government is considering measures to redistribute medical supplies more evenly and prevent hoarding, ensuring that those in need have access to vital medications.
Citizens are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to health guidelines to protect themselves and others. The collective effort of the public and authorities is crucial in overcoming these challenging times.
(With input from Xinhua)
Reference(s):
Panic buying causes drug shortages in Japan amid flu outbreak
cgtn.com
