Infectious Diseases and Infrastructure Management in Tokyo

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Description of the Tokyo environment relevant to infectious disease
The climatic condition of Tokyo is based on temperate zone, making it a favorite spot for
the disease causing pathogens to survive. Recent study suggests that Tokyo may be subjected to
high rates of infection (Teparrukkul et al. 2017). Authorities have warned that climatic sensitive
illness and even dengue fever can be of severe cause of trouble for the people visiting Tokyo.
The current environmental condition of Japan can be highly understood through the phases of
high heat and humidity; that appears to be one of the prime cause facilitating the growth of
mosquitoes.
In addition to that Tokyo remains to be infamous for the increasing rates of air pollution
(Kutsuna et al. 2015). It would be fair enough to conclude that it is important to note that
increasing levels of air pollution can often lead to lung infection among people irrespective of
age. As pointed out by Senda et al. (2016), air pollution can emerge out to be one of the leading
cause of acute respiratory infection among the children under 5 years of age (who.int, 2018). The
disease causing microbes are often seen to be under the dynamic conditions and are seen to
replicate coupled with constant evolution. Judging the climatic conditions of Tokyo, it can be
clearly stated that the climate is humid subtropical climate. As pointed out by Quam et al.
(2016), dengue can be termed as one of the most infectious disease that cause some serious
damage to the population.
In terms of number of infections occurring on global basis dengue in considered to be one
of the most widely occurring disease due to arthropod (mosquito). The symptoms include severe
headache and even muscle pain and in worse cases even death. The average fatality ratio for the
fever related to dengue is about 5% (Environmental management, 2019). Dengue is caused by

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different types of flavivirus serotypes. In similar regards, it should be taken into account, the
variability in the nature of virus circulating can be prolonged and the rate of infection can be
high
Citing example from recent incidents, it can be clearly observed that nearly 55
individuals have been affected with dengue fever (McKirdy, 2014). All the cases have one thing
in common, individuals visited the Yoyogi Park, one of the largest outdoor spaces in Tokyo and
have made strong complaints against mosquito bites. The main vector of the disease is Aedes
aegypti and these mosquitoes are seen to rule the sub-tropical areas like Tokyo (Kobayashi,
2018). High levels of temperature and humidity favours the transmission of the mosquito over
wide range of geographic area; coupled with better breeding conditions. Hence, it can be stated
that Tokyo is at major threat due to the environmental conditions that favours breeding of
mosquitoes.
Outline of infrastructure related to infection control and management
Dengue appears to be one of the major health concerns in Tokyo. The open spaces such
as parks are closed and subjected to fumigation (Quam et al. 2016). However, it should be taken
into consideration that management of infrastructure needs to be specific for controlling the
diseases. It is due to the environment that dengue is widespread, thus it becomes important to
note the fact that it is important to manage the environment. Cordeiro et al. (2019), pointed out
the fact that environmental management can be termed as one of the possible ways of combating
dengue related issues in Japan.

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 Environmental modification: Long lasting physical transformation for reducing the habits
of vector larvae that includes installation of closed water surfaces (Yonejima, Nakay,
Yasumoto & Chan, 2017)
 Environmental manipulation: Temporary changes in regards to habits of the dengue
vector that makes sure that the open spaces are properly fumigated and kept closed for
some time (Yonejima, Nakay, Yasumoto & Chan, 2017)
 Change in human vector interaction: Proper actions can be undertaken by ensuring that
the humans are in limited contact with the disease causing vector
However, it should be understood that the urban planning should be taken into
consideration while planning the infrastructure. The Summer Olympics in Tokyo is
commemorated in the urban areas. Thus, during the events of planning the urban infrastructure of
Summer Olympics should be based on urban renewable schemes. For instance, there should be
no roof gutters on the buildings as it becomes difficult to maintain them Yonejima, Nakay,
Yasumoto & Chan, 2017)
In addition to that, it could be stated it is important to maintain clean streets near the
venue. Cleaning of the streets is solely concentrated on removing the stagnant waters that can
adversely reduce the larval habitat of the mosquito. In addition to that, it is important to ensure
that the solid waste generated should be maintained properly for better results against the
diseases. As stated by Srisawat et al. (2016), solid waste management is one of the prime ways to
reduce the events of dengue spread. The application of basic principles can work on reducing the
larval habitats of Ae. Aegypti. Proper storage and disposal of wastes is important, keeping the
waste in open spaces can often act as a breeding ground for the mosquito (Tajima et al. 2016).
Solid wastes should be collected in disposable plastic containers. However, the large amount of