UK Health Security Agency Identifies New Strain of Swine Flu in Human
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported the detection of a new strain of swine flu in a human in the UK. The strain, known as Influenza A (H1N2)v, is similar to viruses currently circulating in pigs in the UK, but differs from recent human cases of the virus.
Mild Illness Reported in Human Case of New Swine Flu Strain
According to the UKHSA, the individual infected with this particular flu strain experienced mild illness and has since fully recovered. The case was identified as part of routine flu surveillance, although the source of the infection is still under investigation.
Risk Factors and Reporting Cases of Swine Flu
Influenza type A viruses are known to exist in various animal species and have the potential to cause global pandemics, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Risk factors for swine flu include contact with pigs or their environment. Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of animal health, welfare, and biosecurity to prevent the transfer of animal diseases to humans. Additionally, pig keepers are urged to promptly report any suspicion of swine flu in their herds to their local vet.
Global Cases and History of Swine Flu
The UKHSA has reported a total of 50 human cases of influenza A(H1N2)v globally since 2005, with no genetic relation to the current strain. Furthermore, a 2009 pandemic was caused by an influenza A(H1N1) virus, commonly known as “swine flu”, which has since become a seasonal virus included in influenza vaccines. A recent analysis of the 2009 H1N1 virus revealed that it has been transmitted from humans to pigs nearly 400 times since the pandemic.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Peoples Gazette
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