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Since the certification system was established, many victims who show symptoms that are characteristic of methylmercury poisoning and have filed applications for certification, have been officially recognized as Minamata disease patients. Through this system, 2,952 persons have been certified as Minamata disease patients in the Yatsushiro Sea area and Agano River basin, and a total of 130 billion yen (1US dollar ? 125 yen ) has been paid in compensation from the companies responsible for the pollution.

The number of Minamata Disease Patients before the Law concerning Compensation for Pollution-related Health damage (1974)

Yatusshiro Area The first patient suffering from an undiagnosed poisoning was recorded in 1953. Although the discharges of methymercury were finally stopped in1960, the cumulative effects of this poisoning have produced (up to November 1972). Two hundred two cases of Mianmata disease, of which 26 were congenital cases; 62 of these cases have resulted in death (including 2 congenital cases

Agano River Basin In 1965, a further outbreak of methylmercury poisoning occurred in the Agano River. The initial investigations revealed a total of 26 cases. This number increased to 30 and then to 121 in follow-up surveys carried out in 1968 and in April 1973, respectively. Up to November 1972, one was congenital and 7 resulted in deatlh.

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