New Year's Greetings for 2026

Chairman Hourei Oh

Last year, there were a wide variety of infectious diseases that were in the spotlight for 2025, but I think the main ones were influenza, novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and mycoplasma pneumonia.

In January, influenza A became widespread, with a mutant strain called "subclade K" becoming widespread. The NB.1.8.1 strain (Nimbus strain) of COVID-19 also became widespread, and was characterized by particularly severe sore throats. The Mycoplasma pneumonia outbreak began earlier than usual, from the end of September to early October.

These infectious disease control measures focus on accurately understanding the trends in infectious disease outbreaks and promptly disclosing information so that the public and medical institutions can provide appropriate prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

In addition, it appears that infectious disease prevention measures have been improved based on the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic.

My time during the coronavirus pandemic has been focused on experiments to inactivate SARS-CoV2 using ozone water, ozonated glycerin, hypochlorous acid water, and disinfectant alcohol.

Data on the effectiveness of ozone was presented to the Diet, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, and the WHO.

Ozone is also effective against influenza and mycoplasma.

On the other hand, awareness of ozone is still low within the medical community, and I believe that in order to raise awareness, we need to continue basic and clinical research and engage in social activities.

We appreciate your guidance and cooperation this year as well.