Measles Cases in Japan Continue to Rise, Four Times Higher Than Last Year

Measles cases continue to be reported across Japan. In the week ending mid-month, 17 new cases were reported, bringing the annual total to 498. This is approximately four times the figure from the same period last year and is approaching the levels seen in 2019, which was the year with the highest number of infections in the past decade. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare emphasizes that vaccination is crucial for preventing infection and encourages parents to vaccinate their children. Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air, with symptoms including fever, cough, and skin rashes, and can be fatal in severe cases. Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Kenichiro Ueno urged the public to avoid going out if symptoms appear and to follow the instructions of medical institutions.