Japan Faces 11th COVID Wave as New Variant and Heatstroke Strain Medical Services

Japan is experiencing its 11th wave of COVID infections this summer, a period that often sees recurring outbreaks of the virus. The surge in patients is putting Japan's emergency and medical services under significant strain.

Since COVID was reclassified to the same category as seasonal influenza (Class 5) under the Infectious Diseases Control Law, most national financial support for prevention and treatment has ended. As a result, some people are avoiding medical consultations due to the costs. This has led to a vicious cycle of worsening symptoms and further spread of infection.

Forced to Wait in Ambulances

Japan's health ministry reported that the number of COVID patients rose to 55,072 in the week leading up to July 14. This data is based on reports from about 5,000 medical institutions nationwide. There was an average of 11.18 patients per institution. It marked the tenth consecutive weekly increase in patients. Additionally, the extreme heat has led to a rise in heatstroke cases, making emergency transportation increasingly difficult.

According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, around 4,105 cases nationwide from July 15 to 21 required emergency teams to spend over 30 minutes making four or more inquiries to find a medical institution that would accept the patient before transporting them. This marks a 16% increase in cases from the previous week.

*People walking through the bustling streets of the Minami area in Osaka, July 6. (©Sankei by Hirofumi Kakihira)*

New Variant Takes Hold

In Osaka Prefecture, there has been a sharp increase in infections since July. On July 25, the Osaka Medical Association held an emergency symposium in Osaka City to brief medical professionals about the 11th wave.

Professor Hiroshi Nishiura of Kyoto University's Graduate School of Medicine participated in the symposium. He reported that in Tokyo, the KP.3 variant, derived from the JN.1 Omicron variant that spread in winter, has become the dominant strain. As of the week of July 1–7, nearly 90% of the tested cases were infected with KP.3. A similar situation is expected in Osaka. Immunity from previous infections and vaccinations is not effective against the new KP.3 variant, leading to a surge in cases.

Avoiding Medical Consultations

Another factor behind the spread of infections is the end of national financial support for immunizations and other care in March. This has made more people reluctant to seek preventative measures and treatment.

Vaccinations cost about ¥15,000 JPY (about $100 USD) for those not covered by regular vaccination programs. (Those 65 years and older or those aged 60–64 with underlying conditions are still covered.) The cost of treatment has also risen. Out-of-pocket expenses previously capped at ¥9,000 ($60) now reach ¥15,000-¥30,000 (30% co-payment).

According to the Osaka Medical Association, many patients with symptoms such as fever avoid medical consultations and prescriptions for drugs. However, there have been cases where elderly patients who opted for symptomatic treatment ended up developing pneumonia.

Lack of Supplies

Additionally, heatstroke patients with fever need to be tested for COVID using antigen test kits. In turn, this has led to a decrease in kit availability.

Masatoshi Nakao, president of the Osaka Medical Association, expressed concern, saying, "Even if medical institutions place orders, there are no supplies coming in. If the infection spreads further, it is uncertain whether treatment will be possible."

With the upcoming Obon holidays in mid-August, there is also a risk of infection spreading from urban areas with high infection rates to rural areas.

Professor Nishiura emphasized the importance of continuing to wear masks and ventilating indoor spaces, as well as vaccinations for the elderly and those with underlying conditions. He urged, "If more than a year has passed since your last infection or vaccination, please consider getting vaccinated again."

*A woman receives a COVID-19 vaccination on September 20, 2023. (©Sankei by Takaki Rikitake)*

Tips to Prevent Infection

Clinics in Tokyo have also seen a sharp increase in patients with fever since early July. In preparation for further outbreaks, a local doctor has shared infection prevention tips.

Hiromichi Ito, director of a clinic in Tokyo, notes that the number of patients surged after a heatwave was observed in Tokyo on July 4. The clinic sees 40–50 patients daily with symptoms such as fever, especially among those in their 30s to 60s.

Ito points out that the rapid rise in temperatures has led to a decrease in immunity as the body struggles to adapt. There are cases where individuals who contract COVID also get heatstroke, resulting in severe conditions.

He also notes that the lack of ventilation in air-conditioned rooms and the drying of nasal and throat mucous membranes, which reduces barrier functions, are contributing to the spread of infection.

Ito emphasizes the importance of washing hands and gargling immediately upon returning home. He also recommends bathing regularly to wash away viruses and relieve fatigue, ensuring sufficient sleep, and maintaining a balanced diet. Additionally, he suggests avoiding crowded places and wearing masks around people who are coughing.

"Small changes in behavior can help control the spread of infection to some extent," Ito advises.

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun