Since the end of last year, cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza have been confirmed in a number of Asian countries, with one case even being confirmed in Japan. There have also been reports of human infections in Vietnam and Thailand.
If this form of influenza comes into contact with other forms of influenza more common to humans, there is the possibility that the influenza virus will mutate and form an entirely new strain of influenza. Given this situation, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has strengthened its measures to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza to alleviate the concerns of the citizens of Tokyo.