Tokyo Records 34 Measles Cases in Three Months, Equaling Last Year’s Total

The Yomiuri Shimbun

21:16 JST, March 17, 2026

The cumulative number of measles cases in Tokyo since January has reached 34, equaling last year’s total, the Tokyo metropolitan government announced on Tuesday.

A cluster of nine cases has been identified among staff at a restaurant in Shinjuku Ward. The government is urging residents to get vaccinated or undergo antibody testing, noting that the infection is spreading rapidly.

According to the government, it was found out that nine male employees in their 20s at a restaurant in Shinjuku Ward contracted measles on March 6 or later. They are experiencing symptoms such as fever and rash, and one is currently hospitalized. None of them had recently traveled overseas. The vaccination history of seven of them is unknown, while two had received two doses. The relevant public health center is identifying their contacts and continuing health monitoring.

“Last year, the majority of cases involved people with a history of overseas travel. But this year, the number of cases continues to rise rapidly, including among those with no such history,” a metropolitan government spokesperson in charge said.

It is estimated that the vaccine is effective in conferring immunity in around 95% of people. The spokesperson said: “Those who are concerned can also undergo antibody testing. Please contact a medical institution for advice and arrange testing or vaccination.”