Public health officials in the UK have confirmed the first human case of a swine flu strain, H1N2, similar to the one circulating in pigs.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that this variant of the H1N2 virus was detected in an individual who underwent testing after experiencing respiratory symptoms. Although the virus has been found in pigs before, this marks the first time it has been identified in humans in the UK.
“This is the first time we have detected this virus in humans in the UK, though it is very similar to viruses that have been detected in pigs,” said the agency’s incident director Meera Chand.
“We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce any potential spread.”
The affected person experienced a mild illness and has fully recovered.
The source of the infection is currently under investigation, and UKHSA is working swiftly to trace close contacts and minimize potential spread.
UKHSA chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said veterinary and scientific knowledge is being provided to support its probe.
Influenza A(H1) viruses are endemic in swine populations in most regions of the world.
The H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 viruses are major subtypes of swine influenza A viruses in pigs.
They occasionally infect humans, usually after direct or indirect exposure to pigs or contaminated environments.
The H1N1 pandemic in 2009 was the first major influenza outbreak in the 21st century.
The official death toll of 18,500 was later revised upwards by The Lancet medical journal to between 151,700 and 575,400 dead.
The agency emphasized that the virus is akin to those found in pigs, and there is ongoing collaboration with veterinary and scientific experts in the investigation.
Ada Peter
