While infection with the mutated new coronavirus is confirmed in various places, the government will strengthen the domestic monitoring system from next month by conducting tests to detect the mutated virus in a short time at local health laboratories nationwide. I have decided.
As of the 25th of this month, 202 people have been confirmed to be infected with the mutated new coronavirus in Japan, mainly the mutated virus reported in the United Kingdom, including those found in airport quarantine. ..
Of these, it has been pointed out that the virus with a confirmed mutation called "E484K", which is also found in Japan, may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine, and experts are calling for stronger countermeasures.
On the 26th, Prime Minister Suga said at the government's response headquarters, "From next month, we will carry out inspections of new methods that can detect mutant strains in a short time in all prefectures, strengthen domestic monitoring system and continue to be vigilant. I will do it. "
The government is increasing the ability to analyze "genome analysis," which examines the genetic information of mutant viruses, up to about 800 cases per week by increasing the number of personnel at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases.
Furthermore, from next month, we will strengthen the domestic monitoring system by improving the system so that PCR tests that detect mutant viruses in a short time can be carried out at local health research institutes nationwide.
The spread in Japan
The mutant virus of the new coronavirus was first confirmed in Japan by airport quarantine last December, and has since spread in Japan.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, more than 200 people have been infected in various places as of the 25th of this month.
The mutant virus was first confirmed in Japan on December 25, last year by airport quarantine.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, as of the 25th of this month, a total of 202 cases have been confirmed, including 153 people in Japan and 49 people in airport quarantine.
According to materials presented at an expert meeting advising the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, a total of 135 cases of mutant virus were confirmed in 17 prefectures by 22nd of this month, excluding airport quarantine, of which in the United Kingdom. The widespread type accounted for most of the 129 people.
Only four people were infected with the mutant virus confirmed in South Africa, and only two people were infected with the mutant virus that spread in Brazil.
Infections of people who have never stayed abroad have been confirmed one after another, and groups of infected people = clusters have also occurred in Saitama and Hyogo prefectures.
Expert “Need to strengthen monitoring system to prevent re-expansion”
While the number of newly infected people in Japan is declining, as the state of emergency has been lifted in six prefectures except the Tokyo metropolitan area, it is important to deal with mutant viruses in order to prevent the spread of infection again. I am.
An advisory committee made up of infectious disease experts and others held on the 26th emphasized the need to strengthen the monitoring system for mutant viruses in areas where the state of emergency is lifted to prevent the spread of infection again. ..
At a meeting after the meeting, Advisory Board Chairman Shigeru Omi said, "The biggest concern is that the process of replacing potentially infectious mutant viruses with traditional viruses is arguably beginning in the country. I pointed out.
At the expert meeting of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, it is necessary to strengthen the monitoring system in cooperation with private inspection institutions and universities, and if a mutant virus is found, the health center should identify the infection route and take prompt measures. I point out that there is.
In a proposal compiled by the government subcommittee on the 25th of this month, regarding the inspection system to check for mutant viruses, not only the viruses found in the administrative inspection but also the private inspection facilities that are inspecting at their own expense Also requests that the specimens be submitted, and that human support be provided to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, which is in charge of testing.