This is a medical clinic in Tokyo on April 22.

S/ Doctor / I heard you have a red rash on your face. Did it start on your face?

S/ Patient (11) / Yes, on my face.

S/ Doctor / Does it feel like it's spreading?

S/ Patient (11) / Yes.

S/ Doctor / The possibility of measles, which is currently going around, cannot be ruled out.

Measles is spreading worldwide, and infections have been confirmed in Japan as well.

According to the health ministry, there were 56 reported measles cases nationwide in the one-week period through April 12, bringing the total for this year to 299.

That's more than 3.8 times the figure for the same period last year.

At an elementary school in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward, 18 students and staff members got infected with measles.

This led to the closure of an entire school grade due to measles, the first such case in Tokyo in 12 years.

We asked the clinic director about the dangers of measles.

S/ Ito Hiromichi, Ito Oji-kamiya clinic / It is more than ten times as contagious as influenza. If even one person is infected, just being in the same space and breathing the same air can cause others to become infected.

Symptoms include a fever of 39 degrees Celsius or higher and a rash. In severe cases, measles can be fatal.

The 11-year-old patient suspected of having measles initially had cold-like symptoms, followed by a fever of 38 degrees and a red rash appearing on the face.

While getting two doses of the vaccine is considered the most effective prevention, the clinic director points out a problem.

S/ Ito Hiromichi, Ito Oji-kamiya clinic / Since yesterday, we have been receiving information about vaccine shortages, and shipments are currently being adjusted. If vaccines are given to people who are unsure of their vaccination status or who remain anxious despite having received two doses, shortages will inevitably occur.

Because there is a risk that vaccines may not reach those who truly need them, he said antibody testing should be done before vaccination.

On April 22, the health ministry asked vaccine manufacturers and distributors to move forward shipments from May, citing an expected increase in demand.

With the Golden Week holidays just around the corner, the clinic director said another concern has emerged.

S/ Ito Hiromichi, Ito Oji-kamiya clinic / There are quite a few patients with what could be called hidden COVID. Many feel testing is unnecessary because they believe it is probably not COVID.

Although the number of new cases of COVID-19 infection has been on a downward trend since February, the clinic director says the number of patients suspected of having "hidden" COVID is increasing.

On April 23, people expressed their concerns ahead of Golden Week.

S/ Man in his 60s / We can't completely avoid going out, so I do feel uneasy.

S/ Mother of 2 grade schoolers / When my child had COVID, there were almost no symptoms.

S/ Reporter / What if they catch it during the holidays?

S/ Mother of 2 grade schoolers / That would be awful. More than anything, hospitals will be closed. That's what's scary.

This mother and daughter have kept masks on hand since the pandemic.

S/ Daughter in her 40s / It's not spreading in my immediate area, but it feels a bit unsettling when I go beyond that. So for Golden Week, I'm fine staying nearby, within a short train ride.

Greater caution is required during Golden Week, when many people gather at tourist destinations.