Measles cases in Japan this year approaching 500

Japan's tally of measles cases so far this year stands at nearly 500, approaching the level of the same period in 2019, which had the most cases in the past decade.

Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that can spread through the air. It causes fever, coughing and rashes and can be fatal.

The Japan Institute for Health Security says in the week through May 17, the number of reported cases was 17, bringing the total for the year to 498.

The institute estimates that about 70 percent of the patients were infected in Japan by a virus that had been brought into the country. In 2015, the WHO verified that Japan had eliminated measles.

The health ministry says vaccination is important to prevent infection. It calls for having children vaccinated regularly. It also recommends shots for people around infants who have not yet been vaccinated, as well as those working at airports and in the tourism industry who come into contact with travelers.

nhk