Rapid spread of coronavirus infections in Japan

Japan is witnessing a rapid rise in the number of new infections with the Indian mutant of the Corona virus, according to the Japanese Ministry of Health, which confirmed 87 cases of the mutant in 12 out of 47 prefectures.

While the coronavirus is expected to account for more than half of the number of new infections in Japan as early as mid-July, experts are calling on the authorities to strengthen the surveillance system.

The Indian mutant is 80% more infectious than the original virus and is expected to account for more than 50% of all local infections in mid-July and 80% at the end of the month, said Kyoto University professor Hiroshi Nishiura, a theoretical epidemiologist.

In their analysis based on the international database, a team led by Keio University professor Kenjiro Kosaki, an expert in clinical genetics, said the Indian mutant entered Japan not only directly from India but also through Britain or the United States.

"Not all types of coronavirus come directly from primary hotspots," Kosaki said, calling for stronger border control.

Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news