No kidding, I have actually seen some places like this in the summer during Obon Holidays. (NO, this photo was NOT a fraternity prank or a Guiness Book effort)....
Posted on 05/18/2009 5:02:57 PM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
Japan closes 2,000 schools as swine flu spreads
by Shingo Ito Mon May 18, 3:35 am ET
KOBE, Japan (AFP) – Japan has confirmed 129 swine flu cases and shuttered more than 2,000 schools and kindergartens in a bid to slow the spread of the virus that may already have infected hundreds.
The number of (A)H1N1 cases has risen rapidly in the urban areas of Kobe and Osaka since the first confirmed domestic infection -- a 17-year-old Kobe high school student who had not been abroad -- was reported on Saturday.
Authorities said the real number of infections could already be in the hundreds with the virus spreading fast in the densely populated island nation.
The Japanese outbreak increases the chance the may raise its pandemic alert level to six -- the top level which would indicate sustained community transmission in a second region outside the Americas.
Experts in Japan now believe the virus spread quickly between the two urban areas after high schools from Kobe and Osaka met for a volleyball tournament, with some players and coaches feeling feverish after the games.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Ping!
Countries with high population density, like Japan, will always have more problems with epidemics.
Yes, but if there was ever a perfect incubator for airborne viral contagions, it's the tightly-packed cities of Japan.
While the lethality of this virus has thus far proven insignificant, it could still evolve into something more ominous. Japan is wise to try to keep a lid on it.
It’s a very serious issue in Japan where everyone lives, works and travels in extremely close quarters. We have wide open spaces in the U.S. and that is a good thing in more ways than one.
I posted my comment before reading yours and you sure got it right. I don’t think some people realize the density of places like Tokyo.
South China is probably an even better “petrie dish” for the rapid spread of swine-flu.
The first time I went to Tokyo, I was in disbelief. I had spent time in New York, Chicago, London and even Mexico City but nothing comes close to Tokyo. Rush hour in the subway is really one of the modern-day wonders of the world.
Unless you've seen it first-hand, you really can't appreciate it.
Admittedly I have NOT seen it first hand but I have a friend who has an office in Tokyo and have heard many first-hand accounts over the years. I’ve seen pictures too so I can truly imagine it but I agree with you that nothing is like experiencing it. That is why their culture is so big on privacy and looking down - to give you space since there isn’t any (LOL).
What’s going on in South America? It’s flu season down there now. And people do vacation up here for weeks.
‘Experts in Japan now believe the virus spread quickly between the two urban areas after high schools from Kobe and Osaka met for a volleyball tournament, with some players and coaches feeling feverish after the games.’
Sure it was the flu and not the effect of something else?
It’s a good move to close the schools.
Schools are a breeding ground for germs of all kinds. So are daycare centers.
The Japanese are proactive,and wisely so.
It’s a good move to close the schools.
Schools are a breeding ground for germs of all kinds. So are daycare centers.
The Japanese are proactive,and wisely so.
And subway cars http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjJ3g_wv8H0
I’m teaching at an elementary school in rural Kumamoto Pref. today . Only 59 kids in grades 1 thru 6 , and 22 are out with the flu ! So it’s not only the big cities .
Excellent on the spot report. Thanks.
Thanks Tiger.
No kidding, I have actually seen some places like this in the summer during Obon Holidays. (NO, this photo was NOT a fraternity prank or a Guiness Book effort)....
Ewww. Isn’t that just gross. I would not even want to be in that water - worse than having to take a bath after the 6 other siblings were in the same tub water (he he). My mom said that’s what it was like when she was a kid. GROSSS.
A bit over the top, yes, from any culture’s perspective! ;-)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.