Overview

• Sentinel reports have exceeded the epidemic-start benchmark of 1 for four straight weeks since mid‑September, indicating an earlier-than-usual start locally and nationally.
• Osaka defines its surveillance benchmarks as 1 to mark epidemic start, 10 for an advisory, and 30 for a warning.
• Officials urge basic precautions including handwashing, cough etiquette, avoiding crowds when symptomatic, and wearing masks when going out with symptoms or when visiting medical or elderly-care facilities.
• Residents are advised to consult medical providers about timely influenza vaccination and to seek prompt care for severe symptoms such as persistent high fever, breathing difficulty, or altered consciousness.
• RS virus activity is elevated with a week 41 sentinel average of 1.82, remaining higher than the same period over the past three years, and the prefecture will issue weekly influenza updates on Thursdays.