Japan flu cases top advisory level for first time this season at 11.35 per institution
In short
Influenza patients reported across Japan in the week to October 4 averaged 11.35 per medical institution, passing the advisory threshold of 10 for the first time this season, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The figure was about seven times that of the same period a year earlier, and 16 prefectures were above 10. Okinawa, at 37.07, was the only prefecture above the warning threshold of 30, TBS NEWS DIG reported.
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The number of influenza patients reported across Japan in the week to October 4 averaged 11.35 per medical institution, exceeding 10 for the first time this season, NHK, TBS NEWS DIG and Nippon TV News reported. TBS NEWS DIG and Nippon TV News cited the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. According to TBS NEWS DIG, 10 is the threshold for an influenza advisory. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Nippon TV News said the figure covered reports from sentinel medical institutions nationwide for the week from September 28 to October 4, and was up from 7.17 the previous week. TBS NEWS DIG put the increase at about 1.6 times the previous week and said about 3,000 medical institutions nationwide had reported. Both outlets said the number was about seven times that of the same period a year earlier. [ 2 , 3 ]
By prefecture, Okinawa had the highest figure at 37.07, above the warning threshold of 30. TBS NEWS DIG said Okinawa was the only prefecture in the country above that level, and Nippon TV News described the warning level as indicating a large outbreak. Saitama followed at 19.66 and Chiba at 18.72. Nippon TV News also listed Kanagawa at 18.51 and Tokyo at 15.87, and its headline pointed to increases in the Tokyo metropolitan area. [ 2 , 3 ]
NHK and Nippon TV News reported that 16 prefectures were above the level of 10 per medical institution. [ 1 , 3 ]
TBS NEWS DIG reported that 937 schools and other facilities nationwide had closures or class closures. The health ministry called for infection measures, including wearing masks and handwashing, according to TBS NEWS DIG, while Nippon TV News said the ministry urged basic measures such as handwashing after going out and cough etiquette. [ 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The national figure has risen past the advisory threshold, and the health ministry is calling on the public to take infection measures such as handwashing. TBS NEWS DIG reported that 937 schools and other facilities had closures or class closures.
Key facts
- Influenza patients reported nationwide in the week to October 4 averaged 11.35 per medical institution. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The figure exceeded 10, the advisory threshold, for the first time this season. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The figure was up from 7.17 the previous week, about 1.6 times the previous week's level. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The number was about seven times that of the same period a year earlier. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Okinawa had the highest figure at 37.07, above the warning threshold of 30. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Saitama followed at 19.66 and Chiba at 18.72. [ 2 , 3 ]
- 16 prefectures were above 10 per medical institution. [ 1 , 3 ]
- 937 schools and other facilities had closures or class closures. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The national figure was 11.35 influenza patients per medical institution for the week to October 4. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The figure exceeded 10 for the first time this season. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The number was about seven times that of the same period a year earlier. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Okinawa recorded 37.07, the highest, above the warning threshold of 30. [ 2 , 3 ]
- 16 prefectures were above 10 per medical institution. [ 1 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- 937 schools and other facilities had closures or class closures. Reported only by TBS NEWS DIG.
- About 3,000 medical institutions nationwide submitted reports. Reported only by TBS NEWS DIG.
- What steps local governments are taking in response. NHK's summary mentions local governments and advisories but is cut off, and no other document covers it.