Fifth disease infections in Japan hit 26-year high
The number of fifth disease patients reported by some 2,000 medical institutions nationwide stood at 2.53 per institution in the week, the highest since the current counting method was adopted in 1999. In the following week through June 29, the figure came to 2.13, the third highest.
Japan's health ministry is urging pregnant women to consult medical institutions if they experience symptoms, as infections can lead to miscarriages.
Fifth disease is a viral infection that primarily affects children up to nine years old, though adults can also contract it.
The incubation period for the disease ranges from 10 to 20 days. After this, symptoms such as low fever and headache appear, followed by red rashes on both cheeks. Rashes can spread to other parts of the body including limbs, and typically disappear in about a week.
The disease spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and contact. It is usually not contagious by the time rashes appear.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NHK
5 hours ago
- NHK
Japanese doctor appointed to UN panel on effects of nuclear war
The United Nations has established a panel to examine what impact a nuclear war would have. One of the members is a Japanese doctor who survived the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki. The UN announced on Thursday that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had appointed 21 members. Last December, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution outlining the plan to establish the scientific panel. A statement issued by the UN says the panel is tasked with examining "the physical effects and societal consequences of a nuclear war on a local, regional and planetary scale in the days, weeks and decades following a nuclear war." The panel will study the possible impact of a nuclear war in seven areas, such as climate, the environment, agriculture, public health and economy. The panel will hold its first meeting in September and will submit a final report to the General Assembly in 2027. The last cross-sectional UN study of this kind was undertaken in 1988. Technologies for simulating such impacts have since advanced significantly. The UN says the panel has been established in response to "a global environment in which the risk of nuclear war is higher than at any point since the depths of the Cold War." The question now is whether the UN panel's research will be able to emphasize the message that nuclear weapons should never be used, based on scientific evidence. Japanese doctor Tomonaga Masao, who has been appointed to the panel, spoke about the move on Friday. He has studied the effects of radiation exposure on humans, including leukemia. Tomonaga said the current situation regarding nuclear weapons goes against the trend toward nuclear disarmament after the Cold War. He said he believes the UN wants to clearly show the effects of nuclear war on humans and the environment in order to stop the current trend and build momentum for the abolition of nuclear arms. Tomonaga said there have been no opportunities for what Hiroshima and Nagasaki experienced to be used to scientifically clarify the effects of nuclear war. He added that he would be most pleased if he, as part of the UN panel, can contribute to a scientific conclusion using studies of experiences in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
NHK
10 hours ago
- NHK
Japan's Emperor Emeritus discharged from hospital in Tokyo
Japan's Emperor Emeritus Akihito has been discharged from a hospital in Tokyo after being admitted to the facility on Monday for adjustment of medicine to treat his heart disease. The 91-year-old Emperor Emeritus left the University of Tokyo Hospital in Bunkyo Ward around 11:30 a.m. on Friday, accompanied by Empress Emerita Michiko. The couple returned home before noon. The Emperor Emeritus was admitted to the hospital to start taking new medicine designed to ease strain on the heart. He underwent a coronary bypass operation in 2012 when he was 78, after being diagnosed with angina. He was diagnosed with right heart failure in 2022 and asymptomatic myocardial ischemia in May. Asymptomatic myocardial ischemia occurs when blood flow from the coronary arteries to the heart muscle is insufficient. This is caused when exercise stress exceeds certain levels. The Emperor Emeritus has restricted fluid intake and avoids excessive exercise stress. He has been taking new medicine to improve coronary blood flow since May, but his condition has not improved.
NHK
12 hours ago
- NHK
Trump diagnosed with venous insufficiency, but not serious health problem
0The White House says US President Donald Trump has received a medical checkup, and that he has venous insufficiency, but remains in "excellent health." In a news conference Thursday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. Leavitt said he underwent a comprehensive examination after noticing swelling in his lower legs in recent weeks. She said the condition is common in individuals over the age of 70. Trump turned 79 in June. Leavitt also said Trump's bruises on the back of his hand was caused by frequent handshaking, and the use of aspirin, which he takes for prevention against cardiovascular disease. She said the exam results showed "no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness." Leavitt also released the physician's memorandum of the diagnosis. She said, "The President remains in excellent health, which I think all of you witness on a daily basis here." She stressed that Trump wanted to release the memorandum "in the effort of transparency." Former US President Joe Biden, who was 78 when he was sworn in, announced in May that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which had spread to his bones. But Trump questioned the timing of the announcement as it was made after Biden had already left office.
