H1N1 flu surges in Japan

[makoto]

The number of people infected with the new H1N1 type of influenza in Japan is rising.

The virus triggered a worldwide WHO alert in 2009.

Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases counted 9,863 influenza patients during the week through December 26th, based on reports from about 5,000 medical institutions nationwide. The number of patients rose for the 10th straight week, mainly in northern and southern Japan.

The institute says that in December, the H1N1 strain of the flu virus was responsible for 62 percent of all new infections. In major cities, most flu patients came down with the new virus.

more....

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:57:00 +0900(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)
nhk world http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/07_25.html

 

[makoto]

Flu season in full swing

Flu season in full swing

Flu season in full swing

Influenza is spreading rapidly in Japan, especially among young adults.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases says that 780,000 people caught the flu in the week to January 16th.
That's based on reports from about 5,000 medical institutions nationwide.

The average number of patients per hospital was just over 12, or 2.4 times the figure from a week earlier.
Nearly 60 percent of the flu patients are adults, led by those in their 20s who account for 22 percent of the cases, and those in their 30s who account for 15.6 percent.


more...

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:06:00 +0900(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)
nhk world http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/21_22.html

 

[makoto]

Re: H1N1 flu surges in Japan

More schools close in flu outbreak

Japanese health officials say doctors across the country saw one-and-a-half million influenza patients last week. And 17 times more schools were closed due to the virus, compared to the previous week.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases surveyed about 5,000 medical institutions nationwide.

It estimates that 1.49 million influenza patients sought treatment at hospitals during the week through January 23rd. The average number of patients per medical institution was about 26, more than double the previous week.

more....

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:09:00 +0900(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)
nhk world http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_72.html

 

[makoto]

Re: H1N1 flu surges in Japan

Flu epidemic worsening

Japan's health officials say the influenza epidemic is reaching a peak.

According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases which surveyed about 5,000 medical institutions nationwide, an estimated 1.76 million patients sought treatment at hospitals during the week through January 30.
The number of flu patients per medical institution was 31.88, exceeding the epidemic warning level of 30....

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:57:00 +0900(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)
nhk world http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/04_25.html

sankei news

 

[makoto]

Re: H1N1 flu surges in Japan

Influenza epidemic seen peaking

The influenza season appears to be peaking, with the average number of newly infected patients per hospital nationwide hitting 31.88 for the week ending Jan. 30, according to a survey by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases.

The institute sets its flu alert level at a nationwide average of 30 visits per week per hospital. Released Friday, the institute's latest report was for the week from Jan. 24 to Jan. 30. The regular survey covers about 5,000 medical institutions across the nation. Between Jan. 24 an Jan. 30, an estimated 1.76 million people who visited medical institutions across the nation were diagnosed with influenza, according to the institute.

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry urged people to frequently wash their hands and to wear masks when they start coughing.....

The Yomiuri Shimbun http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110205002007.htm

 

[makoto]

Re: H1N1 flu surges in Japan

Experts: Flu epidemic in Japan passing peak

Japanese health officials say the influenza outbreak across the country is passing its peak but they are cautioning against a further spread of the flu.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases says about 1.55 million patients saw doctors during the week through this past Sunday. The figure is down 210,000 from the previous week.
The estimate is based on about 5,000 medical institutions nationwide and shows the average number of flu patients per institution stood at nearly 29 that week.....

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:09:00 +0900(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)
nhk world http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/10_24.html

Adults also hiding behind flu masks

For safety reasons, flu masks have become a near-permanent fixture on the face of a 52-year-old man in Toda, Saitama Prefecture.

He is not sick. Nor does he suffer from hay fever. The mask simply gives him a sense of security.
And he was relieved to know that he is not alone.
The man is one of about 100 people who responded to an Asahi Shimbun report last month about students who hide behind disposable masks.
The responses show that older people are also part of this insecurity trend.....

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201102180245.html