Unusual flu in Japan causes school closures and raises concerns for the upcoming winter

The flu season has arrived much earlier than usual in Japan this year, a full five weeks ahead compared to 2024. As of October 10, 6013 confirmed cases have been reported, while more than 100 schools have decided to close temporarily.

These alarming figures prompted the Ministry of Health in Tokyo to announce on October 3 that “Japan is in the midst of a flu epidemic,” urging citizens to take preventive measures such as frequent hand washing, wearing masks, and vaccination.

According to the ministry, this is “the second earliest start of the flu season in the past 20 years.” The scientific journal Nature reports that the number of cases is unusual for this period and could trigger outbreaks in countries entering the winter season in Asia and Europe, although it is not expected to become a global pandemic.

During September, of the 287 people hospitalized due to the flu, nearly half were children under 14 years old. Normally, the flu season in Eastern Japan begins at the end of November.

Experts say that the increase in international travel after the COVID-19 pandemic may be one of the main causes of the early start. Virologist Vinod Balasubramaniam from Monash University in Malaysia also cites factors such as climate change and lack of exposure to the virus, especially among the elderly and young children.

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