Japan is currently grappling with a significant flu outbreak that has led to alarming drug shortages, particularly flu medications. As the country reported a surge in cases reaching record levels by late December 2024, both hospitals and pharmacies have struggled to meet the high demand, resulting in panic buying among citizens.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan revealed that from September 2, 2024, to January 26, 2025, there were approximately 9.523 million flu cases in the nation. This staggering figure underscores the severity of the health crisis and its escalating nature.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, the final week of December 2024 saw the highest influenza caseload recorded since data collection began in 1999. During that week alone, around 5,000 designated medical institutions reported a total of 317,812 flu patients, averaging 64.39 cases per facility, which significantly exceeds the government’s warning threshold of 30.

In light of the escalating flu situation, health officials have strongly advised the public to practice preventive measures such as wearing masks and maintaining diligent hand hygiene to mitigate further spread of the virus.

Compounding the health concerns is the ongoing outbreak of avian influenza in Japan, which has led to the culling of approximately 5 million chickens and other birds across five prefectures in January. The situation is being closely monitored by health officials.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries expressed concerns that the outbreaks of avian influenza show no signs of abating, indicating the possibility of a worsened scenario in the near future, potentially leading to even higher numbers.

Furthermore, these avian influenza outbreaks have had a direct impact on egg prices, which have reportedly risen by 15 percent since the beginning of the year, adding to the economic challenges faced by consumers.

As the flu continues to spread and the avian influenza crisis looms, Japanese authorities remain vigilant, cautious, and proactive in their approach to safeguard public health.