🦠 Panic Buying Strikes as Japan Faces Record Flu Outbreak 😷
Japan is in the midst of a flu frenzy! Since late December last year, the country has been grappling with a record-breaking flu outbreak that's sending everyone into a spin. 🌀
With over 9.5 million flu cases reported between September 2, 2024, and January 26, 2025, according to Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases, the flu season is hitting harder than ever. Hospitals and pharmacies are now facing shortages of flu medication, leaving many scrambling. 😰
The panic buying of flu meds has led to uneven stock distribution. Some medical institutions are reportedly hoarding supplies, making it tough for others to get what they need. Talk about a plot twist we didn't see coming! 📉
In the final week of December 2024, Japan recorded the highest weekly flu caseload since records began in 1999! Approximately 5,000 medical facilities reported a whopping 317,812 patients—that's an average of 64.39 cases per facility, way above the government's warning threshold of 30. 🚨
Health officials are urging everyone to mask up 😷 and keep those hands clean 🧼. Sounds familiar, right?
Not Just the Flu: Avian Influenza on the Rise 🐔
As if the flu wasn't enough, Japan is also dealing with a surge in avian influenza outbreaks. Around 5 million chickens and birds have been culled across five prefectures in January alone. 🐓
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is sounding the alarm, warning that the situation shows no signs of slowing down and might break previous records. This bird flu is no joke! 🦅
Egg prices are feeling the heat too, increasing by 15% since the start of the year. Better think twice before ordering that omelette! 🍳
Stay safe out there, amigos! Let's hope Japan can weather this storm soon. 🌧️
Reference(s):
Panic buying causes drug shortages in Japan amid flu outbreak
cgtn.com
