What are the most contagious diseases in Japan? Which diseases kill the most? In this article, we will see a list of diseases in Japan and also a ranking of those that kill the most annually.
Japan is known for being a country that cares a lot about health! This can be seen, as even before the pandemic caused by Covid-19, they already had the habit of wearing masks to prevent diseases and to avoid infecting others in cases of flu.
But every country faces its outbreaks of infectious diseases due to insects and animals native to the region, the season of the year, and various other reasons.
In this article, we will analyze which are the most contagious diseases in Japan (mostly children are the victims) and which have been killing more Japanese people in recent years.
Table of Contents
01 – Influenza
It is an infectious disease caused by viruses. There are types A, B, and C. The types that currently affect humans are the Hong Kong A, Russia A, and B types. The symptoms are more severe than those of a normal flu.
The symptoms are usually very high, persistent fevers that come and go; weakness and lack of appetite; pain all over the body; sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, cough, among others.
After diagnosis, which can be done through a test using a swab inserted into the nose, the doctor prescribes oral medication. In case of worsening, one should return to the doctor.
You can see a Guide to Japanese Medicines for allergies and flu in our article. The image below shows some of the most common medicines to treat the symptoms.
02 – Measles (Hashika)
An infectious disease caused by the measles virus. Highly contagious, many complications associated with the disease arise, considered a serious illness. Prevention is through vaccination.
There is no specific treatment for measles, but after diagnosis, the doctor prescribes medications to alleviate the symptoms to prevent worsening.
03 – Rubella (Fushin)
A contagious disease caused by the rubella virus. Also known as three-day measles. Contracting rubella in early pregnancy can cause anomalies in the baby. There is also no specific treatment, but medications to relieve itching and rashes.
04 – Mumps (Otafukukaze)
A contagious disease caused by the mumps virus. If symptoms of pain or fever arise, one should go to the hospital immediately to prevent the situation from worsening.
Avoid acidic foods or those that require a lot of chewing. Avoid taking a bath (ofuro) in case of fever and pain.
05 – Chickenpox (Mizuboso)
A contagious disease caused by the “herpes zoster” virus. Medications are used to prevent the proliferation of the “herpes zoster” virus and alleviate the disease.
Other oral medications and/or ointments against itching are used. In case of pus formation, antibiotics are administered.
06 – Erysipelas or Infectious Erythema (Ringobyo)
An infectious disease caused by the human parvovirus B19. If contracted during pregnancy, there is a risk of miscarriage.
There is no medication to cure the disease. If necessary, the doctor prescribes a medication if the itching is very intense.
07 – Herpangina (Herupanguina)
It is a type of flu that has as one of its symptoms a blister on the tongue resembling herpes. It is known as summer flu, caused by viruses. There are several viruses that cause herpangina, occurring frequently.
The disease causes high fever from 38º to 40ºC for 1 to 4 days, blisters appear on the tongue and inside the throat, which, once ruptured, turn into stomatitis causing a lot of pain.
08 – Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (Teashikuchi-byo)
An infection caused by viruses, this disease is more common during the summer. There are several types of viruses that cause the disease, so it can be contracted multiple times.
The improvement is quite rapid, but if one cannot ingest liquids, if the fever lasts more than 3 days, or if there is vomiting and fatigue, one should go back to the hospital. The disease got its name because it causes sores on the hands, feet, and mouth.
09 – Sudden Exanthema or Infantile Roseola (Toppatsusei Hasshinsho)
An infectious disease caused by the herpes virus 6, usually affecting children between 4 months and 2 years old. The fever lasts on average 3 days. It cannot be diagnosed until the rash appears.
10 – Pool Fever
Pool fever – also known as Puru netsu or Intoketsumaku netsu – is contagious. Its name comes from the fact that it is often transmitted in public pools.
Pool fever is caused by a virus and usually presents symptoms similar to those of the common cold. During a period of 5 days at night, the fever generally rises to between 39 and 40 degrees Celsius.
This fever causes significant discomfort, including red eyes, sore throat, headaches, stomach aches, and diarrhea.
11 – Streptococcal Infection (Yorenkin kansensho)
Streptococcal infection, also called strep throat, is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and swelling in the throat and tonsils.
The bacteria that cause strep throat are highly contagious and can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms of strep throat include sore throat, fever, headache, and nausea. Treatment for strep throat usually involves antibiotics.
Although streptococcal infection can be fatal, it is important to remember that it is also very treatable. With medical assistance, most people recover fully.
12 – Whooping Cough (Hyakunichi seki)
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory system. The main symptom is a severe cough that can persist for weeks or even months.
Whooping cough is most commonly seen in infants and young children, but it can occur at any age. The infection is spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as droplets from a cough or sneeze.
Whooping cough is a serious disease that can be fatal, especially in infants and young children. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid serious complications.
13 – Moluscum Contagiosum (Mizuibo)
An infectious disease caused by a virus. It is characterized by clear skin tumors. When ruptured, solid white substances concentrated with the virus come out. Due to an allergic reaction to the virus, hives may appear around the lesions, causing itching.
In all the diseases mentioned above, the guidance is to stay at home (go out only for necessities), not receive visitors, and wear a mask when going out.
The information about these diseases comes from the Hamamatsu Channel, the city hall website, and its content portal aimed at foreigners.
14 – Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is an acute infectious disease caused by a flavivirus (the Japanese encephalitis virus) capable of affecting the central nervous system. Transmission is through mosquitoes.
There are about 30,000 to 50,000 cases per year worldwide, and in Asia, it is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in children. A person does not directly transmit Japanese encephalitis to another.
Transmission occurs through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The Japanese encephalitis virus has wild birds and pigs as natural hosts.
This disease, if not treated, can lead to coma. Therefore, it is included in the mandatory vaccinations for those going to Japan.
12 Diseases That Kill the Most in Japan (2019)
According to the Disease Ranking from the year 2019, we can get an idea of the diseases that kill the most in Japan below:
- Alzheimer’s
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Ischemic Heart Disease
- Lower Respiratory Infections
- Lung Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Self-harm
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