Flag of Japan. Photo by Kulbir on Pexels.com
Japan is on track to record its highest number of measles infections since the COVID-19 pandemic, based on early figures this year.
Health data showed that confirmed cases had already reached more than 200 by early April, approaching last year’s total, which was the highest in the post-pandemic period.
Authorities noted that a significant portion of patients belonged to the 10 to 29 age group, prompting renewed calls for vaccination.
Medical groups urged the public to get immunized, stressing that the disease spreads easily among those without protection.
Doctors said measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms before progressing to fever and skin rashes, with complications possible in severe cases.
Japan was declared free of endemic measles transmission by the World Health Organization in 2015, but imported infections have continued to trigger new cases.
Global data also showed a sharp rise in measles infections in recent years, with outbreaks reported in multiple regions.
Health experts said the trend underscores the need for sustained vaccination efforts to prevent further spread.