Key Facts
• Influenza cases in Aomori Prefecture reached record levels as of November 23, 2025.
• Weekly cases rose to 3,451, an increase of 1,813 from the previous week.
• Patient numbers have doubled in one week, marking a seven-week consecutive rise.
• Average cases per medical institution hit 66.37, the highest since 2007.
• All six regions in the prefecture, including East Aomori (85 cases) and Kamikita/Shimokita (82 cases each), are under warnings.
• Aomori City clinic reports testing up to 25 patients daily, with 50% testing positive.
• The outbreak is one month earlier than usual, straining medical resources.
• Seven schools in the prefecture are closed, and approximately 200 classes are suspended.
• Authorities urge mask-wearing, vaccination, and basic infection prevention measures to curb the spread.
Summary
Aomori Prefecture is experiencing an unprecedented influenza outbreak, with cases doubling in a week to reach 3,451 as of November 23, 2025. The average number of patients per medical institution has hit a record high of 66.37, prompting warnings across all six regions. Medical facilities are overwhelmed, with some reporting up to 25 daily tests, half of which are positive. The outbreak, occurring a month earlier than usual, has also disrupted education, leading to school closures and class suspensions. Authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination, mask-wearing, and infection prevention to manage the crisis.
