Japan is currently grappling with an unprecedented flu outbreak, leading to widespread panic buying and subsequent shortages of essential medications. From September 2, 2024, to January 26, 2025, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases reported a staggering 9.523 million flu cases.
The final week of December 2024 saw the highest weekly flu caseload since 1999, with approximately 317,812 patients across 5,000 designated medical institutions. This means an average of 64 cases per facility, far exceeding the government’s warning threshold of 30.
In response to the surge, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare has been urging citizens to adopt precautionary measures such as wearing masks and thorough handwashing. Despite these efforts, the demand for flu medications has outpaced supply, leading to shortages in several hospitals and pharmacies.
Adding to the health crisis, Japan is also battling a significant avian influenza outbreak. In January alone, around 5 million chickens and other birds were culled across five prefectures. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries warns that the situation may worsen, potentially breaking existing records. This outbreak has also impacted egg prices, which have surged by 15 percent since the beginning of the year.
As Japan navigates these dual challenges, the resilience and adaptability of its healthcare and agricultural sectors are being put to the test. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.
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Panic buying causes drug shortages in Japan amid flu outbreak
cgtn.com
