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Japan Measles Cases Surge Dramatically This Year
17 Mar
Summary
- Japan has reported 100 measles cases since January, a significant increase.
- Tokyo, Aichi, Kanagawa, and Niigata prefectures report the highest numbers.
- Measles-rubella vaccine is administered in two doses for children in Japan.
As of March 2026, Japan has recorded 100 cases of measles since the beginning of the year. This figure represents a substantial increase compared to the 22 cases reported during the same period in the previous year. In the most recent week, from March 2 to March 8, medical institutions nationwide confirmed 17 new infections. Tokyo has reported the highest number of cases since January, with 19. Following closely are Aichi Prefecture with 18 cases, and Kanagawa and Niigata prefectures, each recording 10 cases.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne illness. Symptoms typically appear about 10 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash. In some instances, serious complications like encephalitis can occur. The recommended preventive measure is the measles-rubella vaccine, which is administered in two doses. In Japan, this vaccination schedule begins with the first shot at age 1 and the second dose is given in the year prior to a child entering primary school.
