Japan experiences early flu activity and implements school closures

In Japan, there has been an early onset of flu activity, prompting the implementation of school closures. According to reports, the country usually witnesses a surge in influenza cases towards the end of November. The Serum Institute of India (SII), the largest vaccine manufacturer globally, has announced a partnership with CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) to develop a new vaccine targeted at H5N1 avian flu as a model for Disease X. Disease X represents an unknown pathogen that could potentially lead to a global pandemic.