Influenza outbreaks surge in Okinawa and Ishikawa

Influenza cases are rising rapidly across several regions in Japan. In Okinawa Prefecture, the number of reported cases per medical institution increased by 1.5 times compared to the previous week, reaching 26.27 cases, which is among the highest nationwide. The outbreak is primarily driven by Type A influenza.

In Ishikawa Prefecture, seasonal influenza is spreading widely. While cases in Kanazawa City decreased by 30 percent, the Noto Chubu region saw an eightfold increase. The number of patients per medical institution in the prefecture reached 5.89, exceeding the epidemic threshold for four consecutive weeks.

The outbreak has led to multiple school closures in Ishikawa. Recent reports indicate group illnesses at five schools, including Tsurugi High School and several elementary schools, affecting 47 students. Total seasonal flu cases in the prefecture have reached 285 across 15 schools.