Japan's health minister calls for measles vaccinations

Japan's measles cases in early 2025 surpass last year's total, prompting urgent vaccination call from health minister. | Contesto: cronaca

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• Japan's health minister calls for measles vaccinations

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Japan’s health minister has issued an urgent appeal for measles vaccinations, warning that the country is facing a sharp resurgence of the highly contagious disease. According to the minister, 299 measles cases were reported between January 1 and April 12, a figure that has already exceeded the total number of cases recorded in all of 2025. The announcement underscores a troubling reversal in Japan’s long-standing success in controlling the virus, which had been kept at bay through high vaccination rates and rigorous public health measures. The rapid spike in infections has alarmed health officials, who are now scrambling to contain the outbreak before it spreads further. Measles, which can cause severe complications including pneumonia and encephalitis, is one of the most contagious infectious diseases known, with each infected person capable of spreading it to up to 18 others in an unvaccinated population. The minister emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective shield against the disease, urging those who have not been immunized—particularly adults who may have missed booster shots—to get vaccinated promptly. The surge appears to be part of a broader global trend, as measles outbreaks have been reported in multiple countries following pandemic-era disruptions to routine immunization programs. In Japan, the decline in vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic may have created pockets of susceptibility, allowing the virus to gain a foothold. The minister’s call comes amid concerns that complacency and misinformation about vaccines could further undermine public health efforts, especially as the country prepares for the upcoming Golden Week holiday period, when travel and gatherings typically increase. Health authorities are now working to trace contacts and isolate cases, but the scale of the outbreak has stretched resources. The 299 cases reported so far represent a dramatic increase compared to recent years, when Japan often recorded fewer than 100 cases annually. The minister warned that without a swift and widespread vaccination drive, the number of infections could continue to climb, potentially overwhelming hospitals and putting...

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Categoria: cronaca