NHK



 

Cases of infectious gastroenteritis caused by the norovirus and other viruses have increased in Japan for the fifth consecutive week.

The disease, also called stomach flu, causes fever, vomiting and diarrhea.
People can be infected by eating food contaminated with a pathogen, or while disposing of a patient's bodily waste.

The Japan Institute for Health Security analyzed reports from about 2,000 pediatric medical institutions nationwide.

The number of patients per clinic was 9.48 in the week through February 8, up slightly from the previous week. The number of cases remains high for this season.

By prefecture, Gunma had 17.4 patients per clinic, Oita 16.58, Tokyo 14.34, Shimane 13.82 and Ishikawa 13.14.

Japan's health ministry says wiping floors and other places with sodium hypochlorite, and placing clothes for over one minute in hot water at 85 degrees Celsius or hotter, are effective in preventing the spread of infections.

The ministry and local governments are urging thorough handwashing and disinfection.