Overview

• The Health Ministry says the national average reached 1.04 patients per medical institution, crossing the level used to designate an epidemic.
• More than 6,000 people were treated for influenza between September 29 and October 5, and over 4,000 were hospitalised by October 3.
• Rising infections have been reported in 28 of 47 prefectures, with the heaviest burden in Okinawa, Tokyo and Kagoshima.
• At least 135 schools and childcare centres have temporarily closed in affected areas to curb spread.
• Experts warn the wave arrived about five weeks early, raising concerns about shifting seasonality linked to increased travel, while authorities urge vaccination, masking and hand hygiene.