Japan has recorded more than 500 cases of measles this year.

VTV.vn - Japan has recorded 511 cases of measles since the beginning of the year, nearly matching the 744 cases of 2019, amid the disease's high transmissibility.

Measles virus under an electron microscope. (Image: CDC/Kyodo)

Japan has recorded 511 cases of measles so far this year, nearing the 744 cases reported for all of 2019, a national research institute said on June 2.

Because measles is highly contagious and can have serious health consequences, the Japanese Ministry of Health , Labour and Welfare recommends that anyone who suspects they have the disease should contact a healthcare facility by phone beforehand for guidance.

According to the Japan Institute for Health Security, the number of measles cases this year has far exceeded the preliminary total of 265 cases for 2025. The Ministry of Health said that in April, Japan recorded more than 60 cases nationwide each week, before the weekly number dropped to 30 or fewer after the Golden Week holiday.

Approximately 70% of cases are believed to be domestically transmitted. However, the measles virus is suspected to have been introduced into Japan through foreign travelers and those returning from overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Japan measles-free in 2015.

(Photo: Kobune Fumio)

Measles is an airborne disease. People infected may develop symptoms such as fever, cough, and runny nose about 10 days after exposure to the source of infection. In some cases, the disease can lead to serious complications, including encephalitis.

To prevent the disease, the combined measles-rubella vaccine is administered in two doses. In Japan, children receive the first dose at age 1 and the second dose the year before starting elementary school. However, some age groups are believed to have only received one dose.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara urged those planning to travel abroad, as well as those born before April 2000 who may not have received both of their scheduled doses, to check their medical history and vaccination records and consider getting vaccinated.

Source: https://vtv.vn/nhat-ban-ghi-nhan-hon-500-ca-soi-trong-nam-nay-100260602223601723.htm