Tokyo issues influenza advisory as outbreak arrives early

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has issued an influenza advisory, noting that the current outbreak has arrived more than one month earlier than last year. The advisory was triggered after the population in health center jurisdictions experiencing advisory-level infection rates reached 47.87% of Tokyo's total population.

Data from the week of September 7 to September 13 shows an average of 9.53 reported cases per medical institution. High-incidence areas include Machida City, Arakawa Ward, and Kita Ward. Among the reported cases, approximately half are children under the age of 10. Between August 31 and September 13, there were 107 instances of school or facility closures due to influenza-like illnesses, a significant increase compared to the 13 cases reported during the same period last year.

The predominant strain identified is the AH1pdm09 virus, accounting for 85.7% of detections. Authorities have warned that the upcoming long holiday period may lead to increased human movement and contact, potentially accelerating the spread. Residents are encouraged to practice preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, disinfection, ventilation, and vaccination.