A/H1N1 flu cases surge in Japan

Kyodo News is reporting the total number of cases of A/H1N1 flu in Japan, both domestic and those contracted abroad, has topped 130.

People wear face masks at a shopping street in Kobe, western Japan, May 17, 2009. The number of confirmed H1N1 flu cases in Japan has  risen to 96, a health ministry official said on Monday, with most  of new cases seen in high school students in western Japan, many  of whom have not travelled abroad.REUTERS/Kyodo

Most of the infected are teenagers, and all are recovering in local hospitals or at home. The government has ordered the closure of schools, and the cancellation of community events.

During an emergency government meeting, Prime Minister Taro Aso promised everything possible to prevent the infection from spreading. Hospitals have set up special fever clinics to separate possible carriers from other outpatients.

Local governments are running hot lines to advise people with symptoms. And newspapers have published graphics explaining the proper ways to wash hands and gargle.