Japan is grappling with a significant surge in flu cases, reaching record numbers in late December 2024. This spike has resulted in widespread shortages of flu medications across numerous hospitals and pharmacies. According to China Media Group, the shortage is primarily due to uneven stock distribution and excessive hoarding by certain medical institutions.
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan reported that from September 2, 2024, to January 26, 2025, the country recorded approximately 9.523 million flu cases. In the final week of December 2024 alone, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare noted the highest weekly flu caseload since records began in 1999, with about 5,000 designated medical institutions reporting 317,812 patients—averaging 64.39 cases per facility. This figure notably exceeds the government's warning threshold of 30 cases per facility.
In response to the outbreak, health officials have repeatedly urged citizens to adopt preventive measures, including mask-wearing and thorough handwashing, to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Compounding the health crisis, Japan is also experiencing a surge in avian influenza outbreaks. Approximately five million chickens and other birds have been culled across five prefectures in January to control the spread. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries cautioned that these outbreaks show no signs of abating and may continue to escalate, potentially breaking existing records.
The avian influenza outbreaks have had a noticeable impact on the economy, particularly in the agricultural sector. Egg prices have surged by 15 percent since the beginning of the year, reflecting the strain on poultry supplies.
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Panic buying causes drug shortages in Japan amid flu outbreak
cgtn.com
