Japan’s Flu Cases Drop for Second Week but Remain High

Seasonal influenza patient numbers in Japan decreased for the second straight week, but rates remain high nationwide, with most prefectures still at warning levels according to the health ministry. English Summary with light Japanese emojis 🇯🇵🤧 Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reported that the number of influenza cases per medical facility nationwide was 38.51 during the past week, marking a second consecutive week of decline. However, this level remains relatively high compared with the same time in the past decade. A total of 41 prefectures exceeded the warning threshold of 30 patients per facility. The highest rates were seen in Fukuoka (65.56), Miyazaki (62.54), and Nagano (57.04). The ministry is urging people to continue basic infection prevention measures such as hand washing, gargling, and mask use to help prevent further spread.