UK Faces First Human Case of H1N2 Swine Flu

(CTN News) – The first incidence of a novel strain of swine flu in the United Kingdom has prompted an investigation by health authorities.

A frequent flu screening at a North Yorkshire GP office revealed the A(H1N2)v virus.

The individual exhibited moderate respiratory symptoms and has since recovered, according to officials.

It is not known that they have worked with pigs, and investigators will try to determine the source of the virus and the danger it poses to humans.

There have been 50 confirmed instances of A(H1N2)v in humans during the last 20 years, proving that swine flu may infect humans.

August saw the reporting of a case in the US.

The virus in question is comparable to those in pigs in the United Kingdom, according to health authorities, but it differs slightly from the swine flu instances reported in humans recently across the world.

A virus that infected pigs, birds, and people came together in 2009 to trigger a swine flu pandemic.

Parts of North Yorkshire where the case was found will undergo increased surveillance through general practitioners’ offices and hospitals, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

We are working quickly to identify close contacts and minimize any possible spread,” stated Meera Chand, the agency’s incident director.

“In accordance with established protocols, investigations are under way to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases.”

According to the newly appointed health secretary, Victoria Atkins, the person was discovered as a result of a “thorough and extensive” screening and surveillance procedure implemented by UKHSA.

“It’s good that this case has been spotted – please trust the UKHSA to do their job and to monitor carefully,” according to her.

It is recommended that individuals with flu-like symptoms stay away from others, especially the elderly or those who are more susceptible, who may be ill with other ailments.

As stated by Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss: “We know that some diseases of animals can be transferred to humans – which is why high standards of animal health, welfare and biosecurity are so important.”

She stressed that if pig farmers see any symptoms of swine flu, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.

According to Paul Hunter, a medical lecturer at the University of East Anglia, A(H1N2) does not produce more severe illness than other strains of influenza that are routinely circulating.

According to Ian Jones, a virology professor at the University of Reading, the mild infection was “also in keeping with previous experience,” and it was “very unlikely” that the one case constituted “anything more than has been seen in the past.”