Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Translation Google
Japan sees continued rise in coronavirus cases
Updated 11 hours ago
Japan is seeing a continued rise in the number of coronavirus cases following the spread of a variant considered slightly more contagious than other versions.
The Ministry of Health said it received 23,126 coronavirus cases reported by about 3,000 medical facilities across the country in the seven days to August 10.
This represents 6.13 cases per facility, marking the eighth consecutive week of increased cases compared to the previous week.
According to the Japan National Institute for Health Security, as of July 16, the NB.1.8.1 variant accounted for approximately 40% of coronavirus-derived infections detected in the country. NB.1.8.1 is a strain derived from the Omicron variant.
Hamada Atsuo, a visiting professor at Tokyo Medical University and an expert in contagious diseases, explains that NB.1.8.1 is considered slightly more contagious than other variants.
But he says the difference is minimal when it comes to other factors, including the risk of developing severe symptoms.
Mr. Hamada noted that coronavirus infections typically peak in summer and winter. He believes the latest surge is due to the large number of people traveling during the summer holidays and other occasions.
He warns that the number of infections could continue to rise until mid-September, as people are expected to travel more than usual at the start of the school year.
He recommends taking preventive measures, such as wearing masks and ventilating rooms.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/fr/news/20250822_01/
Japan sees continued rise in coronavirus cases
Updated 11 hours ago
Japan is seeing a continued rise in the number of coronavirus cases following the spread of a variant considered slightly more contagious than other versions.
The Ministry of Health said it received 23,126 coronavirus cases reported by about 3,000 medical facilities across the country in the seven days to August 10.
This represents 6.13 cases per facility, marking the eighth consecutive week of increased cases compared to the previous week.
According to the Japan National Institute for Health Security, as of July 16, the NB.1.8.1 variant accounted for approximately 40% of coronavirus-derived infections detected in the country. NB.1.8.1 is a strain derived from the Omicron variant.
Hamada Atsuo, a visiting professor at Tokyo Medical University and an expert in contagious diseases, explains that NB.1.8.1 is considered slightly more contagious than other variants.
But he says the difference is minimal when it comes to other factors, including the risk of developing severe symptoms.
Mr. Hamada noted that coronavirus infections typically peak in summer and winter. He believes the latest surge is due to the large number of people traveling during the summer holidays and other occasions.
He warns that the number of infections could continue to rise until mid-September, as people are expected to travel more than usual at the start of the school year.
He recommends taking preventive measures, such as wearing masks and ventilating rooms.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/fr/news/20250822_01/