ALERT: Irish people warned of ‘highly infectious illness’ as Japan declares epidemic

Ireland has been warned of potentially “severe” consequences after a flu epidemic was declared in Japan.

Japan has seen an unprecedented surge in influenza cases this year, with a large number of hospitalisations and school closures.

In total, over 6,000 people have been hospitalised and more than 135 schools and childcare centres have shut down due to outbreaks among children.

This flu season arrived about five weeks earlier than usual and has placed significant strain on healthcare services across multiple regions.

Other countries in Asia, including Singapore, Thailand and India, have also reported spikes in influenza cases.

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Experts have warned that Japan’s early surge in cases might be reflected in global patterns, signalling a new pattern of flu spreading faster and earlier than before.

They have also said that various factors may be contributing to this spike, including irregular weather patterns, changes in flu behaviour, and low vaccination rates.

Yoko Tsukamoto, a professor at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, told the South China Morning Post: "The flu season has started really early this year, but in the changing global environment this might become a more common scenario."

Health officials in Japan have strongly urged the public, especially the vulnerable, to receive flu vaccinations as soon as possible.

The government and medical institutions are also promoting mask usage, handwashing, and limiting social contact where possible to prevent further infections.

Ireland has already experienced a noticeable rise in recorded flu cases, with 41 cases reported last week, compared to just 25 the previous week.

A spokesperson for the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) said: "Indications from the Southern Hemisphere suggest that this winter could bring a severe flu season in Ireland.

“Many countries have reported high prevalence of flu and increased hospitalisations. In addition, flu season began earlier in several regions, further highlighting the importance of getting vaccinated as soon as possible."

During last winter's flu outbreak, over 27,000 cases were confirmed in Ireland. More than 6,500 of those resulted in hospitalisation, with 243 admitted to intensive care and 330 passing away.

Mike Walsh from the IPU’s Pharmacy Contractors Committee (PCC) said: “Flu is a highly infectious illness that can cause serious infection.

“While most cases peak between December and January, the best protection comes from getting vaccinated early in the season. This allows immunity to build before the virus begins to circulate widely.”

The flu is an infection caused by a virus which infects your lungs and upper airways. It transmits via respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes.

Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, headaches, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, vomiting and general exhaustion.

Although influenza usually gets better on its own, complications can include pneumonia and encephalitis, particularly in young children, older people, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions.

The virus is most infectious during the first five days and can persist on surfaces for up to 24 hours.