The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said the number of influenza cases reported by designated medical institutions nationwide was 14.90 per facility in the week from October 27 to November 2.

This is about 2.37 times higher than a week earlier and marks the 11th consecutive weekly increase.

The figure surpassed the advisory level of 10 cases per institution, which indicates the potential for a major outbreak.

By prefecture, Miyagi reported 28.58 cases and Kanagawa 28.47 cases per facility, approaching the warning level of 30 cases that signals a large-scale epidemic.

This year, the flu season started about a month earlier than last year, and the ministry is urging people to take basic preventive measures such as handwashing, wearing masks and ventilating rooms.