FUKUOKA SITUATION:
Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV
By Lee I-chia / Staff reporter
A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday.The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported.“Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials.
The Centers for Disease Control’s headquareters is pictured in Taipei in an undated photograph.
