Japan's Southwestern Prefectures Leading the 11th Wave of COVID-19 Infections
Japan's southwestern prefectures are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, leading the country's 11th wave of infections. Medical experts warn that the number of patients is likely to rise further in the coming weeks.
The number of COVID-19 patients nationwide has been increasing for 11 consecutive weeks, with five prefectures on the southwestern main island of Kyushu reporting the highest number of patients per medical institution. Saga, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Oita are all experiencing a significant strain on their healthcare systems.
Experts believe that the earlier arrival of summer in Kyushu may be contributing to the surge in cases. During the summer months, people tend to spend more time indoors in air-conditioned rooms and remove their face masks, creating ideal conditions for the virus to spread.
Last year, Kyushu also saw a surge in COVID-19 cases during the summer months, with the peak occurring between August 28th and September 3rd. If the 11th wave follows a similar pattern, the number of patients is expected to rise further in the coming weeks.
Medical experts are urging people to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including washing their hands frequently, wearing face masks, and ventilating rooms. They also recommend staying up-to-date on vaccinations and seeking medical attention if experiencing symptoms.