1. Influenza cases in Japan have surpassed the average of 50 weekly cases per medical institution earlier than last year, reaching this threshold on November 23.
2. According to the Japan Institute for Health Security, total flu cases nationwide reached approximately 197,000 in the same week, marking a 35% increase from the previous seven days.
3. The highest number of flu cases was reported in three northeastern prefectures: Miyagi, Fukushima, and Iwate, with more than 89, 87, and 83 cases per institution respectively. Japanese health officials are advising residents to wash hands, wear masks, and consider getting vaccinated to prevent further spread of the flu.