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Japan’s Flu Cases Decline for Third Straight Week but Stay Above Alert Level

Health officials counted 142,434 cases for Dec 8–14, reflecting sustained pressure on schools with 5,416 closures.

Overview

  • The national sentinel average reached 36.96 cases per reporting facility, remaining above the 30-per-facility alert benchmark for a fifth consecutive week.
  • Week-on-week activity fell to 0.96 times the previous period, marking a third consecutive national decline in reported cases.
  • Regional intensity is concentrated in western Japan, led by Miyazaki at 99.93 cases per facility, with Fukuoka at 75.39 and Kagoshima at 75.14.
  • Many eastern prefectures show lower activity, including Akita at 13.28, Okinawa at 14.16, and Tokyo at 17.80, underscoring a clear west–east divide.
  • School disruptions reached 5,416 nationwide, while local outlets such as Nishinippon post weekday updates on class and school closures in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Kurume, and Kitakyushu, alongside reminders on handwashing, rest, cough etiquette, and masks when symptomatic.