Japan's health authorities have gone on high alert as influenza spreads earlier than usual across the country. With the number of patients per medical institution exceeding the advisory threshold in early October, temporary school closures and class shutdowns are taking place sequentially at schools and childcare facilities. As a growing number of South Korean travelers visit Japan recently due to the weak yen, local travelers are urged to exercise caution.

42,320 Patients… 937 Schools and Childcare Facilities Shut Down

According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 43,320 flu patients were reported from designated medical institutions nationwide between September 28 and October 4. The average number of patients per medical institution stood at 11.35, up approximately 58% from 7.17 the previous week and 7.3 times higher than the same period last year. This is the first time this season that the figure has surpassed the advisory threshold of 10 patients per medical institution set by Japan.

By region, Okinawa recorded 37.07 patients per medical institution, exceeding the warning threshold of 30. The metropolitan area also surpassed the national average, with Saitama at 19.66, Chiba at 18.72, Kanagawa at 18.51, and Tokyo at 15.87.

Consequently, closures of schools and childcare facilities have increased. During the same period, 937 facilities implemented temporary closures or grade/class shutdowns, roughly 6 times higher than the previous week and more than 4 times higher than the same period last year. Class shutdowns were the most common at 758, followed by grade closures at 171, and full facility closures at 8.

Unprecedented Epidemic Starting in Late August Driven by Weak Yen and Prolonged Rain
The timing of this year's flu epidemic is also unusually early. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced that the entire country entered the epidemic phase on August 28. This marks the second earliest date since statistics began in 1999, about a month earlier than last year.

Experts suggest that an increase in foreign tourists and prolonged rainfall may have influenced the spread. Between July and August, travelers from Southeast Asia and East Asia accounted for about 4.95 million visitors, making up 75% of total foreign visitors. Analysis indicates that viruses prevalent in those regions may have been introduced.

In Tokyo, rain fell for 35 consecutive days through September 30. Spending more time indoors makes it easier for infections to spread in crowded spaces such as classrooms and offices.

"I Booked a Trip to Japan"… Domestic Travelers Need Caution

The spread of the flu coincides with a period of high demand for travel to Japan among South Koreans. As the weak yen continues, with the won-yen exchange rate dropping to the 800 won range per 100 yen, travel and currency exchange demand for Japan has risen. In July, the total won-to-yen exchange volume by South Korea's five major commercial banks reached 31.5 billion yen, marking a 19-month high.

Between January and August of this year, South Korea-Japan aviation passenger volume reached 21.3 million, a 20.3% increase from the same period last year. In August, approximately 85,000 South Koreans visited Japan, the highest among all countries and regions. With a large number of travelers, the likelihood of exposure to infection locally is high, making it advisable to check the epidemic situation in the destination area in advance.

Handwashing and Ventilation are Essential… Refrain from Going Out If Symptoms Occur
Influenza causes sudden high fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and coughing. The virus can be transmitted from one day before symptoms appear until 3 to 7 days after onset, with infectivity being especially high 1 to 3 days post-onset. Children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses should watch out for complications such as pneumonia.

The elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions are advised to consider vaccination. Since it takes time to build immunity after vaccination, getting vaccinated before the epidemic peaks is recommended. Basic precautions like handwashing, indoor ventilation, coughing etiquette, and wearing a mask in crowded places are also helpful. If symptoms such as fever or a cough appear, individuals should refrain from going out to prevent transmission to those around them.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]