Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 22, 2025 1 hour, 30 minutes ago
Medical News: Eight straight weeks of rising infections
Japan is facing another wave of COVID-19 as the number of cases has now increased for the eighth consecutive week. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, reports from about 3,000 designated medical institutions between August 4 and 10 showed an average of 6.13 patients per facility. This is 1.11 times higher than the previous week’s 5.53 patients. This
Medical News report highlights that the spread is being driven by a new Omicron subvariants such as XFG, XFG.2, XFG.3 and XFG.3.1 which have quickly become dominant in the country.
COVID-19 Cases Have Been Rising Non-Stop Across Japan for Last Two Months
Prefectures with the highest numbers
The hardest-hit region is Kyushu, with Miyazaki Prefecture reporting the highest average of 14.71 cases per facility. Kagoshima Prefecture followed with 13.46 cases, while Saga Prefecture recorded 11.83 cases. These figures show how the southern regions are becoming hotspots for the virus at the moment.
The role of the XFG variants
The Japan Institute for Health Security revealed in July that the XFG variants now accounts for about 40% of all infections in the country. One of its hallmark symptoms is a severe sore throat, setting it apart from other earlier variants. Experts believe that increased travel and gatherings during the Bon holidays have fueled the current spread.
Experts urge continued caution
Nobuhiko Okabe, an advisor at the Kawasaki City Institute for Public Health, has urged the public to remain cautious. He emphasized that people should continue to wear masks where appropriate, wash their hands regularly, and maintain good ventilation in closed spaces. He stressed that while many people may have mild symptoms, transmission remains high.
Higher risks for the elderly
Prof. Hiroyuki Kunishima of St. Marianna University School of Medicine warned that elderly people remain at the highest risk of developing severe illness. He advised that even in the absence of high fever or obvious symptoms, older individuals should seek medical attention early to reduce the chances of complications. This is especially important as immunity weakens over time following vaccination.
A continuing challenge for Japan
The data underscores the continuing challenge Japan faces in managing COVID-19. While vaccines and past infections provide some protection, the virus continues to evolve with new subvariants spreading rapidly. Public health officials stress that collective responsibility remains key to reducing the impact of this new wave.
Data References:
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/001539699.pdf
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/
stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000121431_00474.html
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