The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) yesterday urged families traveling to Japan with children to ensure their pertussis, also known as whooping cough, vaccinations are complete, following a significant spike in cases in Japan.
Japan reported 3,578 new pertussis cases between June 30 and July 6 — the highest weekly total since 2018.
Tokyo had the most cases at 277, followed by Saitama Prefecture at 254, CDC spokesperson Philip Lo (羅一鈞) said.
Photo: CNA
So far this year, Japan has logged more than 43,000 cases and four infant deaths, he said, adding that drug-resistant strains have been identified in different areas across the nation.
Health officials attributed the rise in cases to more time spent indoors in the hot summer heat and increased social activity during the holiday season, both of which could increase transmission risks, Lo said.
Nearly 60 percent of cases reported in Japan were adolescents.
Japanese health experts said that protection from vaccines received in early childhood often wane by the time people enter junior high school, so they recommend getting a booster shot at the ages of 11 or 12.
Taiwan’s standard vaccination schedule for whooping cough is a five-dose schedule at two, four, six and 18 months old, with a booster shot before they enter elementary school, CDC data showed.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices also recommend unvaccinated teens aged 11 to 18, especially those living with infants or pregnant women, to get a booster shot of the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine.
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. Early symptoms resemble a cold, but often develop into severe coughing fits that might last for weeks, CDC data showed.
In related news, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan’s Naha branch on Thursday reminded people traveling to Japan who plan to drive to follow Japanese traffic regulations and drive safely, as foreign tourists must also take full legal responsibility in traffic accidents.
It on Thursday shared on its Facebook page a case about a Taiwanese traveler who was detained for 18 days.
The Taiwanese, who was driving in Okinawa, had made a left turn at a red light and hit a motorcyclist, causing mild injury and damage to the motorcycle, the office said.
The driver was taken into custody by local prosecutors on June 27, and the Japanese court this month ruled that the driver must pay a ￥300,000 fine (US$2,015) and a compensation fee for the repair of the motorcycle, it said.
The office reminded travelers who are planning to drive in Japan not to look at their phone, follow local traffic rules and give way to pedestrians.
In case of an accident, travelers should remain at the scene and immediately call the police, it added
The office also advised travelers to choose a car rental company with a good reputation and read the insurance policy carefully.
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