Absence of neonatal intensive care units in secondary medical care zones is an independent risk factor of high perinatal mortality in Japan.

Aim: National medical projects are carried out according to medical care plans directed by the Medical Care Act of Japan. In order to improve Japanese perinatal medical care, it is necessary to determine the factors that might influence perinatal outcome.

Methods: Statistical data of births and perinatal deaths were obtained for all municipalities in Japan from 2008 to 2012 from the Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan (e-Stat).

[Pandemic influenza measures in Japan--from the point of government].

H5N1 type avian flu infection has spread among poultry starting from Vietnam to southwest region countries since the end of 2003. Afterwards, the infections have expanded through Africa, Europe and even to worldwide. Cases of H5N1 type avian flu virus infections to human are increasing.