In a follow-up on the pertussis outbreak in Japan this year, data from the Japanese Institute for Health Security show the case total has reached 72,448 through September 3, including 2,258 cases in the most recent week.
All 47 Japanese prefectures have reported cases with Tokyo leading the way with 5,486 cases and 23 other prefectures reporting more than 1,000 cases.
A highly infectious bacterial disease, whooping cough, also known as pertussis, begins with cold-like symptoms and gradually progresses to severe coughing.
Infants are particularly susceptible to developing severe complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis, which can prove fatal.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare says that vaccinations are effective in preventing the disease.
