Warning for travelers: Mycoplasma pneumonia cases rising in Japan, hand-foot-mouth disease also spreading

Attention Travelers! Mycoplasma pneumonia infections are on the rise in Japan.

According to the latest data from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, as of the week ending October 6, Japan's medical facilities have seen an average of 1.94 Mycoplasma pneumonia patients per institution, setting a new two-week high since 1999.

Additionally, cases of hand-foot-mouth disease, typically seen in children during the summer, have also been increasing. By the week ending October 6, around 3,000 pediatric medical institutions across Japan reported an average of 8.62 cases per facility, exceeding the alert level of five patients per institution for two consecutive weeks.

Mycoplasma pneumonia is a common bacterium that can lead to pneumonia. It spreads through respiratory droplets and primarily affects children and adolescents aged 5 to 15. The incubation period is 2 to 3 weeks, with symptoms including fever and prolonged coughing. While most cases are mild and resolve on their own, more severe cases may lead to complications such as hemolytic anemia and encephalitis. Elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.

According to a report by TBS Japan, approximately 500 medical facilities have recorded a six-week consecutive increase in Mycoplasma pneumonia cases, accelerating the spread of the disease. The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare has warned that infection rates could rise further as the fall and winter seasons approach. They urge the public to take necessary precautions, such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places to prevent further spread.

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