Japan has declared a nationwide influenza epidemic following an unusually early and explosive surge in cases, a full five weeks ahead of the typical flu season, raising fears that the virus may be evolving faster than before.

The outbreak has forced dozens of schools to close and left hospitals struggling to cope with overflowing wards, reviving memories of the pandemic years, reported several Japanese media.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Health, till October 3, more than 4,000 people had been hospitalised with influenza, a fourfold increase from the previous week. At least 135 schools and childcare centers across the country have been temporarily shut to contain the spread.

Health experts say this year’s flu wave is not only early but unusually aggressive. “The flu season has starte

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