16:39 JST, February 12, 2026

The number of flu patients has spiked again, reaching an alert level for the second time since November.

The cold weather, combined with low rainfall causing dry air in many areas, seems to have contributed to the resurgence. People should check that they are taking measures to prevent infection.

During the week of Jan. 26-Feb. 1, more than 114,000 flu patients were reported across about 3,000 medical institutions nationwide, according to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry. That is nearly double the previous week’s figure.

The number of patients per medical institution exceeded an alert level of 30. By prefecture, Oita........

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