Japan's Measles Cases Exceed 300, Annual Increase Over 4 Times, Approaching 10-Year Peak
Japan's measles infections have surpassed 300 cases this year, exceeding last year's total and increasing more than fourfold year-on-year, nearing a 10-year peak. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare urges the public to confirm their vaccination status and avoid going out if suspected symptoms appear.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 19:53
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 20:01 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 20:34 (32 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Tokyo, CNA reporter Dai Yaxuan, April 28) Japan's measles epidemic continues to escalate, with official statistics showing that the number of infections nationwide has already exceeded 300 cases this year, not only surpassing last year's total but also increasing by more than 4 times year-on-year, approaching a 10-year high. Health authorities are urging the public to promptly check their vaccination status and avoid going out if suspected symptoms appear.
TBS reported that, according to statistics from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, as of the 19th, the number of measles infections reported by medical institutions nationwide had reached 362, significantly higher than the 265 cases for the entire year of 2025. Compared to the same period last year, this represents an increase of approximately 4.4 times, with the speed of spread being second only to 2019 in the past 10 years.
Fuji News Network (FNN) reported that the measles epidemic in Tokyo is also rapidly escalating. A primary school in Shinjuku District experienced a measles cluster infection this month, leading to the suspension of classes for the entire grade.
When the school announced its closure on the 21st, 18 students had already been infected; by the 24th, the number of infections increased to 41 students and 6 faculty members, totaling 47 people, more than doubling in less than a week. All infected individuals had no history of overseas travel, and their recovery has been good.
Clinics in Tokyo have also noted an increase in measles-related inquiries. A clinic director stated, "In the past two weeks, especially the last week, patients have been coming in daily for measles consultations or suspected measles. In my memory, this situation has almost never happened in recent years."
With the upcoming Golden Week holiday, increased movement of people raises concerns about a further expansion of the epidemic. Measles is a highly contagious disease, mainly transmitted through the air. Symptoms such as fever and rash typically appear about 10 days after infection, and severe cases can lead to complications such as pneumonia.
Measles is extremely contagious; even wearing masks or frequent handwashing makes it difficult to completely prevent infection. The most effective method is to receive two doses of the vaccine.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare pointed out that due to the increase in infections in Tokyo, the vaccine supply may not keep up with demand in the short term, but from a national perspective, the vaccine supply is still sufficient. The public should confirm whether they have completed their vaccinations. In addition, if suspected measles symptoms appear, individuals should avoid going out as much as possible and take appropriate protective measures when seeking medical attention to reduce the risk of further virus spread. (Editor: Hsieh Yi-hsuan) 1150428
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(Tokyo, CNA reporter Dai Yaxuan, April 28) Japan's measles epidemic continues to escalate, with official statistics showing that the number of infections nationwide has already exceeded 300 cases this year, not only surpassing last year's total but also increasing by more than 4 times year-on-year, approaching a 10-year high. Health authorities are urging the public to promptly check their vaccination status and avoid going out if suspected symptoms appear.
TBS reported that, according to statistics from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, as of the 19th, the number of measles infections reported by medical institutions nationwide had reached 362, significantly higher than the 265 cases for the entire year of 2025. Compared to the same period last year, this represents an increase of approximately 4.4 times, with the speed of spread being second only to 2019 in the past 10 years.
Fuji News Network (FNN) reported that the measles epidemic in Tokyo is also rapidly escalating. A primary school in Shinjuku District experienced a measles cluster infection this month, leading to the suspension of classes for the entire grade.
When the school announced its closure on the 21st, 18 students had already been infected; by the 24th, the number of infections increased to 41 students and 6 faculty members, totaling 47 people, more than doubling in less than a week. All infected individuals had no history of overseas travel, and their recovery has been good.
Clinics in Tokyo have also noted an increase in measles-related inquiries. A clinic director stated, "In the past two weeks, especially the last week, patients have been coming in daily for measles consultations or suspected measles. In my memory, this situation has almost never happened in recent years."
With the upcoming Golden Week holiday, increased movement of people raises concerns about a further expansion of the epidemic. Measles is a highly contagious disease, mainly transmitted through the air. Symptoms such as fever and rash typically appear about 10 days after infection, and severe cases can lead to complications such as pneumonia.
Measles is extremely contagious; even wearing masks or frequent handwashing makes it difficult to completely prevent infection. The most effective method is to receive two doses of the vaccine.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare pointed out that due to the increase in infections in Tokyo, the vaccine supply may not keep up with demand in the short term, but from a national perspective, the vaccine supply is still sufficient. The public should confirm whether they have completed their vaccinations. In addition, if suspected measles symptoms appear, individuals should avoid going out as much as possible and take appropriate protective measures when seeking medical attention to reduce the risk of further virus spread. (Editor: Hsieh Yi-hsuan) 1150428
Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship you provide is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.