Topline
The U.K. detected its first human case of the flu strain A(H1N2)v, which is similar to flu viruses circulating in pigs, though the case was “mild” and the patient recovered, according to an alert released by the U.K. on Monday, as experts remain alert to another possible swine flu pandemic.
Pigs in an indoor housing farm.
Key Facts
The case was detected as part of a routine flu surveillance by the UKHSA and another agency, though the source of the infection is unknown.
The patient experienced mild symptoms and has since fully recovered, according to the alert.
The UKHSA and other organizations are following close contacts of the patients and is expanding its surveillance area to include more hospitals and hospitals.
There have been 50 cases of A(H1N2)v detected in humans globally since 2005, but none of them are genetically related to the strain found in the U.K., according to the alert.
Crucial Quote
“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.” Christine Middlemiss, the chief veterinary officer of the U.K. said in a statement.
Key Background
Influenza A(H1) viruses are found in pigs in most regions of the world, according to the World Health Organization. When these viruses are found in humans, they’re called variant influenza viruses, and the most common ones that infect humans are H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2. These viruses are often transmitted to people who come in contact with pigs via agricultural fairs, work, or through pigs they own. People can also become infected by touching contaminated surfaces, then touching their mouth or nose. There have been no known cases of people contracting the virus from eating properly handled pork. Though most cases of swine flu don’t spread person-to-person, there have been documented cases of person-to-person transmission. The 2009 H1N1 (or swine flu) pandemic began in the U.S. and quickly spread around the world. People caught the virus by breathing in contaminated droplets in the air. Globally, there were at least 150,000 deaths, and people 65 years and older made up 80% of those deaths. In the U.S., there were almost 70 million cases, around 274,000 hospitalizations and about 12,500 deaths between April 2009, and April 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Surprising Fact
H1N1 still circulates as a seasonal flu virus, but the yearly flu vaccines offer protection.
Tangent
A(H1N2)v was detected in the U.S. in Michigan in July, according to the CDC. The patient was a minor who attended an agricultural fair where they were exposed to pigs. The patient was not hospitalized and was treated with antivirals. A(H3)v, another strain of pig flu, was also detected in Michigan in July in a person who came into contact with pigs at a separate fair. The person was also treated with antivirals and has since recovered.
Further Reading
UKHSA detects human case of influenza A(H1N2)v (U.K. Health Security Agency)
CDC Reports Two Human Infections with Flu Viruses From Pigs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
