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February 6, 2025 | 07:58 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Japan is currently grappling with its worst influenza outbreak in 25 years, with infection rates reaching record highs unseen since 1999.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, approximately 317,812 cases were reported in 5,000 designated medical institutions during the last week of December 2024. As reported by Travel Weekly Asia, this translates to an average of 64.39 patients per facility, more than double the warning threshold of 30.
This surge in cases is attributed to increased travel during the holiday season and reduced flu exposure due to previous years' COVID-19 restrictions. The situation is further exacerbated by a shortage of key antiviral medications, including Tamiflu, in healthcare facilities.
Major pharmaceutical companies are struggling to meet the increased demand, and some suppliers have announced temporary distribution suspensions, with normal supply expected to resume between late January and February.
The crisis has also impacted the agricultural sector, with a rise in bird flu cases in Japan. Over five million birds have been culled in January as authorities attempt to contain the outbreak affecting key poultry-producing regions.
The flu situation in Japan has been further highlighted by the death of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu. The 48-year-old actress, known for her role in Meteor Garden, reportedly contracted pneumonia due to influenza and died from complications on February 2, 2025, while vacationing in Japan. Her death has raised concerns about the potential severity of flu-related complications, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
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