Japan's Mask Supply Falters as Flu and Fear Spread

Source: Wall Street Journal

TOKYO -- Japanese makers of surgical masks say that despite boosting production amid the spread of A/H1N1 influenza, they can't keep up with demand from consumers hyper-sensitized to hygiene issues.

"We are receiving inquiries from municipal governments all over Japan, informing us of a mask shortage," said Ryosuke Ikemi, managing director at the Japan Hygiene Products Industry Association, an industry organization.

Japan had confirmed 289 cases of A/H1N1 flu as of Friday afternoon, according to the health ministry. Of that total, 285 were in western Japan, where the country's first domestic infection was confirmed just a week ago. Tokyo found its first case of the flu Wednesday and now has three confirmed cases.

The World Health Organization has said that for people who aren't infected, certain other measures may be more important than wearing a mask. These include refraining from touching mouth and nose, frequently washing hands and avoiding crowded settings, among others. "In the community, however, the benefits of wearing masks has not been established, especially in open areas, as opposed to enclosed spaces while in close contact with a person with influenza-like symptoms," the WHO wrote in a report issued this month.



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