Companies are starting to give employees face masks and gargling solutions as fear continues to grow that a new type of influenza that hasn't proven lethal outside of Mexico and its vicinity has infiltrated Japan.

Mori Building Co. is supplying face masks and antiseptic solutions to all employees to prevent them from catching the new flu while Kose Corp. and Seven & I Holdings Co. are preparing to distribute such items, their officials said.

East Japan Railway Co. and Seibu Railway Co. are procuring masks amid rising demand in the transportation sector.

Households are also taking preventive measures. Major supermarkets have noted a sharp increase in gargling solution and mask sales, with Daiei setting up "anti-flu sections" in most of its outlets.