"Japan's health authorities have declared an influenza epidemic, with thousands of people infected with the respiratory virus. The number of infections is unusual for this time of year, researchers say, and could seed outbreaks in countries that are heading into winter in Asia and Europe although it is unlikely to become a global pandemic. As of 10 October, 6,013 cases of influenza virus have been reported in Japan."
"More than 100 schools have closed, and nearly half of the 287 people who were hospitalized for flu in September were children aged 14 or younger. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare declared a nationwide epidemic on 3 October. Outbreaks are classified as epidemics when the number of infections is higher than expected in a given area over a particular period of time."
A nationwide influenza epidemic was declared in Japan on 3 October after an unusually early and large rise in cases. As of 10 October, 6,013 infections were reported, with more than 100 schools closed. Nearly half of the 287 people hospitalized for influenza in September were children aged 14 or younger. The seasonal increase began about five weeks earlier than typical, when winter flu usually peaks around late November. The surge could seed outbreaks in countries entering winter in Asia and Europe, and possible contributing factors include increasing international travel and climate change.
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