Swine flu: What we find out about A(H1N2)v – the brand new pressure present in an individual within the UK

Nov 27, 2023 at 6:12 PM
Swine flu: What we find out about A(H1N2)v – the brand new pressure present in an individual within the UK

An individual in North Yorkshire has been identified with a pressure of flu just like a virus circulating in pigs.

It is the first time the virus has been detected in humans within the UK, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated.

Here is what you might want to know.

What is the virus?

The virus is named influenza A(H1N2)v. It is just like a pressure of flu circulating in pigs within the UK.

What do we all know concerning the first case?

An individual in North Yorkshire visited their GP with respiratory issues.

They had been identified with the sickness as a part of routine nationwide flu surveillance.

It isn’t recognized how they caught the virus, and they don’t seem to be recognized to have labored with pigs.

They had a gentle sickness and have now totally recovered.

Close contacts of the case are being adopted up by UKHSA and will likely be provided testing and remedy in the event that they check optimistic.

Have there been circumstances in different elements of the world?

Yes and no.

There have been 50 human circumstances of A(H1N2)v reported globally since 2005.

However, none of them have been this actual pressure.

The UKHSA stated it is a “distinct clade” which is totally different to the opposite human circumstances reported world wide, however just like viruses in UK pigs.

An 18-year-old within the US was identified with A(H1N2)v in August after being in touch with pigs at an agricultural truthful.

No different circumstances had been reported after that incident, and there was no human-to-human transmission.

Is this swine flu? Bird flu? Both?

This virus isn’t the identical as H1N1, which brought about the 2009 swine flu pandemic.

H1N1 contained genetic materials from viruses that had been circulating in pigs, birds and people within the Nineteen Nineties and 2000s.

It is not known as swine flu, and now circulates seasonally in people. It is totally different from the viruses at present circulating in pigs.

A(H1N2)v is a subtype of the influenza A virus. Influenza A viruses flow into in seven totally different species, together with people, birds and pigs, however usually keep inside their species.

Animal influenza viruses are distinct from human influenza viruses and don’t simply transmit to and amongst people, in line with the World Health Organisation.

A(H1N2)v isn’t linked to birds. The present dominant fowl flu pressure is H5N1 – of specific concern is the actual fact it has spread to mammals.

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What occurs now?

UKHSA is monitoring the scenario intently and plans are beneath option to step up flu surveillance in elements of North Yorkshire.

The company can be investigating how the individual caught the virus.

The UKHSA has notified the WHO of the newest case.

What ought to I do if I’ve signs?

The UKHSA’s recommendation for folks with respiratory signs stays the identical – whilst you have signs you need to keep away from contact with different folks, notably if they’re previous or have current medical circumstances.