As Japan grapples with a severe flu outbreak, panic buying has led to significant drug shortages across hospitals and pharmacies. Since flu cases reached a record high in late December last year, medical facilities have struggled to keep up with the demand for flu medication.
According to China Media Group, the shortage is attributed to uneven stock distribution, exacerbated by excessive hoarding by certain medical institutions. This has left many patients unable to access vital medications during the peak of the flu season.
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.
On January 11, 2025, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare reported that the final week of December 2024 marked 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 outbreak, health officials have repeatedly urged citizens to adopt precautions such as mask-wearing and thorough handwashing. However, the surge in flu cases has strained the healthcare system, highlighting the challenges in managing widespread infectious diseases.
Adding to the country's health concerns, 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 showed no signs of slowing and that the situation may worsen, potentially breaking records.
The ministry also noted the impact on egg prices, reporting a 15 percent increase since the start of the year. The avian flu outbreak not only threatens the poultry industry but also exacerbates economic pressures amid the ongoing public health crisis.
As Japan navigates these dual health challenges, authorities emphasize the importance of public cooperation and adherence to safety guidelines to curb the spread of infections.
(With input from Xinhua)
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Panic buying causes drug shortages in Japan amid flu outbreak
cgtn.com
