CHIBA (TR) – Japan’s health ministry on Wednesday issued a warning after a fan who attended a concert featuring pop star Justin Bieber in Chiba City has been diagnosed with measles, reports the Sankei Shimbun (Aug. 24).
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare advised medical institutions in the 47 administrative divisions of Japan to be on alert for new measles cases after a 19-year-old man from Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture was diagnosed with the virus last week.
On August 9, the man, who contracted the virus while overseas, experienced a temperature higher than 39 degrees Celsius. His entire body then broke out into a rash.
Between August 13 and 15, the man visited Kanagawa and Chiba prefectures. On August 14, he attended the Justin Bieber concert, the second of a two nights for the “Purpose World Tour,” at Makuhari Messe.
Five days after the performance, the man was diagnosed with measles at a hospital in Nishinomiya. Three members of the man’s family have also been confirmed to have the virus.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory system. It is spread by direct contact or airborne means, such as when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Common symptoms include a fever, cough and a skin rash. For women who are pregnant, a miscarriage or premature birth are possible consequences.
The health ministry is asking medical institutions to be aware of potential measles cases and have preventative measures in place to prevent in-hospital infection should symptoms of the virus appear.