The Japanese government on Friday said the average number of influenza patients at thousands of designated medical institutions nationwide had hit warning levels at their fastest pace in 10 years. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases estimated that the number of patients nationwide totaled around 1,118,000 during the same period. The rapid spread reflects lowered influenza immunity after cases had dropped in recent years amid anti-infection measures implemented against the coronavirus pandemic. School-wide and class-specific closures have taken place at 6,382 educational facilities nationwide in the week through Sunday, the ministry said. The ministry cautioned against the flu in October when cases exceeded the advisory level for that month of 10 people per institution.

Source: Washington Post December 16, 2023 04:11 UTC