Health Officials Detect First Human Case of Swine Flu in the UK
Flu testing (Source free stock)
Health officials announce the discovery of the first human case of swine flu in the UK.
Health officials are investigating contacts of the person infected with the new form of swine flu.
Fifty human cases of the strain have been reported globally since 2005.
This new case is unrelated to the previous cases.
Influenza A(H1N2)v is similar to flu viruses circulating in pigs in the UK.
It also circulates in humans occasionally.
The UK Health Security Agency notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the discovery.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are doing contact tracing of close contacts to prevent further spread of the virus.
Since its early stages, it’s unknown how transmissible the new form is or if there are other cases.
According to the Guardian, the unidentified person infected had a mild illness and has recovered. They were not hospitalized and did not work with pigs.
The root cause of the strain is still under investigation.
Investigating contacts
Meera Chand, an incident director at UKHSA, said, “It is thanks to routine flu surveillance and genome sequencing that we have been able to detect this virus.
“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.
“We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce any potential spread.”
By established protocols, “investigations are underway to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases.”
The UKHSA is increasing surveillance within existing programmes involving GP surgeries and hospitals in parts of North Yorkshire.
To help find the cases, people who are contacted and asked to test are being encouraged to do so.
Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said, “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.
“Through our animal and human surveillance systems, we work together to protect everyone.
“In this case, we are providing specialist veterinary and scientific knowledge to support the UKHSA investigation. Pig keepers must also report any suspicion of swine flu in their herds to their local vet immediately.”
The UKHSA said people with respiratory symptoms should avoid contact with others while suffering symptoms and be careful around vulnerable people and the elderly.
