Japan is grappling with unprecedented flu cases, leading to panic buying and consequent drug shortages across hospitals and pharmacies. Since flu cases hit a record high in late December last year, the nation has faced uneven stock distribution of flu medications, a situation exacerbated by excessive hoarding by certain medical institutions, according to China Media Group.
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases estimated that from September 2, 2024, to January 26, 2025, approximately 9.523 million flu cases were recorded, as per data released on January 31. This surge marks a significant challenge for Japan's healthcare system.
On January 11, 2025, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare reported that the final week of December 2024 saw the highest weekly flu caseload since record-keeping began in 1999. About 5,000 designated medical institutions reported a staggering 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 escalating outbreak, health officials have repeatedly urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures such as wearing masks and thorough handwashing to curb the spread of the virus.
Compounding the public health crisis, 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 show no signs of slowing and may worsen, potentially breaking records.
The avian flu has also impacted the economy, particularly egg prices, which have risen by 15 percent since the start of the year, according to the ministry.
The dual outbreaks of human and avian influenza present significant challenges for Japan, prompting urgent responses from health and agricultural officials. The situation underscores the importance of public cooperation in health measures and vigilance from authorities to manage and contain the spread.
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Panic buying causes drug shortages in Japan amid flu outbreak
cgtn.com
