Gov't to discuss measures to prevent outbreak of possible 'super flu'
TOKYO —
The government on Monday announced it will hold a special council this month to discuss policies aimed at preventing the spread of disease in the event of a hypothetical new influenza that is deadlier and more virulent than current strains.
The health ministry says it wants to determine mandatory quarantine procedures and other options for a worst-case scenario “super flu,” which could see as many as 640,000 citizens dead, according to projections.
Tokyo already maintains a policy to declare a state of emergency if faced with a dangerous epidemic. But, NTV reports that the soon-to-convene council is expected to also lay out rules for voluntary and mandatory restrictions on citizens leaving their homes or gathering, and the council may also determine new restrictions on pharmaceutical companies.
An attempt to impose such restrictions in light of a breakout of a novel flu strain in 2009 resulted in mass confusion, the government says, prompting the call for a meeting to update policies, NTV reported.
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3
Gurukun
I cant see any gov't controlling an outbreak of any type of flu. Every year I notice people in restuaraunts, coffee shops, department stores, etc. coughing thier lungs out and looking pretty miserable. Until these idiots stay the hell home when they are supposed to, this will never be controllable.
4
buggerlugs
A new super flu!? Oh no. We need hazmat suits to check passengers on planes entering Japan, we need EVERYONE to wear a little paper mask (at a price) and any suspected cases to stay home....
Wait a minute that was last year, and the year before. SARS (chicken flu) and pig flu!! This time is cat flu? Are they working through the Chinese zodiac ???
-4
cleo
=It doesn't exist.
A few public service announcements on how to prevent the spread of norovirus would be more apposite.
1
Elvensilvan
The possibility of a new flu strain is very much real. As we have seen for the past several years, new strains are coming out every spring.
Doling out medicines would be very ineffective if people wouldn't do basic precautionary measures. Wearing a mask may help to a certain point (make sure to change masks as often as possible), wash hands at every opportunity, specially before and after eating, and having a healthy balanced diet.
1
jforce
I don't want to sound like a conspiracy nut, but these stories are making it seem more and more like we're all being either scared or herded into submission for some reason.
2
JapanGal
The masks are useless, but the companies making them love the profit margin.
2
Samantha Zoe Aso
A doctor once told me that the reason we're getting all these new super illnesses is due to overmedication and vaccinating. There is no way to predict next season's strain. Unless you have a medical condition, it shouldn't be necessary to be vaccinated or swallow down meds at the first sign of illness. A healthy diet, plenty of rest is all that is needed to keep most people's immune systems fine and dandy. Washing hands after using the restrooms and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze would also be helpful. I feel quite a bit of pressure at this time of year to get my kids vaccinated for flu. If it really was that necessary, wouldn't the vaccination be free? Like the polio vaccination and others?
1
Gurukun
Samantha, Great post. However, that's where the problem is, ignorant people knowing that they have the flu, going out with friends and sneezing and coughing all over the place. There should be a law where others can call the police when they see people like this out in public....
-1
Elbuda Mexicano
I hope we do not go to this mess all over again.
0
Johannes Weber
The Japanese problem is neither the densely populated areas nor any particular strains (at least up to now). I think it is a widespread lack of basic hygiene. I perceive all too often people leaving the toilets without even washing their hands. It's a relief that I can greet people here with a short bow instead of having to shake their hands.
Overmedication and overprotection of children also raises their chances of catching the really bad diseases, since they cannot build up their immune system with manageable ones. And the masks - their main task is not having to show one's face. Look at how many Japanese wear them wihtout being truly ill. It's just another sickening layer of tatemae. Even though they might be beneficial in a few rare cases.
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