Japan is facing a serious flu outbreak 🦠, and it's causing some unexpected problems! Since late December last year, hospitals and pharmacies across the country have been scrambling as flu medications run low.
What's happening? Well, with flu cases hitting a record high, some people—and even medical institutions—started hoarding meds 😷💊. According to reports, this panic buying has led to uneven distribution, leaving some places empty-handed.
Data from Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases estimates that from September 2, 2024, to January 26, 2025, there have been around 9.5 million flu cases nationwide. That's a massive number! 📈
In fact, the last week of December 2024 was the worst since records began in 1999. Over 5,000 designated medical institutions reported a total of 317,812 patients in that week alone—more than double the government's warning threshold. 😱
Health officials are urging everyone to stay calm and take precautions like wearing masks and washing hands thoroughly. 🧼👐 \"Let's work together to stop the spread!\" they say.
But that's not all. Japan is also battling a surge in avian influenza outbreaks. 🐓 The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries warns that with around 5 million chickens and birds culled across five prefectures in January, the situation isn't slowing down. Egg prices have already jumped 15% since the start of the year! 🥚💰
The ministry fears that if this continues, the country could break records for avian flu cases. Not the kind of record anyone wants to set. 😔
So what's the takeaway? Stay informed, stay safe, and don't panic. Together, we can get through this flu season! 💪
Reference(s):
Panic buying causes drug shortages in Japan amid flu outbreak
cgtn.com
