By MIREI JINGUJI/ Staff Writer
March 27, 2024 at 18:18 JST
The health ministry announced on March 26 that the number of measles cases has reached 20 this year, already at 70 percent of the total number of cases reported in 2023.
Of these, 14 cases are suspected to be linked to a male patient who returned from the United Arab Emirates in late February.
The ministry is urging parents to ensure their children receive vaccinations against the highly contagious disease.
Due to the rise in measles cases, demand for the vaccination is increasing. The ministry has requested that medical suppliers prioritize giving vaccines to children.
After a period of fever and coughing, measles patients develop high fevers and rashes. In about one out of every 1,000 cases, measles can lead to encephalitis, which can be fatal.
Measles is spread through the air, and handwashing and masking are not sufficient to prevent infections.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. Two doses of the vaccine can provide immunity to over 95 percent of people.
In Japan, all children are offered two free measles vaccinations: the first when they are 1 year old, and the second at age 5 or 6.
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