First case of swine flu in a human being confirmed in the United Kingdom
The British health authorities reported this Monday the 27th of the first case of transmission to a person of the swine flu virus recorded in the United Kingdom.. This is A(H1N2)v, a virus similar to the one currently circulating in the country's pig herds and has just jumped to humans.. At the moment, it has only been detected in one person and the emergency protocol is already in place to contain the possible outbreak of contagion.
“We are working quickly to trace close contacts and reduce any potential for spread,” said Meeran Chand, Director of Incidents at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The virus was detected during a routine flu monitoring program test carried out by a GP in the north of England. The patient came to the clinic with respiratory symptoms and was slightly ill before fully recovering.
A PCR analysis followed by a genome sequencing exercise allowed experts to confirm the first human infection of the English strain of A(H1N2)v.
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There have been 50 confirmed cases of swine flu in the human population globally since 2005, but none of them have been established to be genetically related to the viral variant circulating among UK pigs, according to the UKHSA.
The English case of swine flu has emerged in a region of North Yorkshire, where surveillance of people with respiratory problems or symptoms and precautionary and hygiene measures on farms and slaughterhouses have now been increased.
But the health authorities have avoided raising alarm among the population and simply recommend following the usual advice in situations of respiratory discomfort and reducing contact with other people to the minimum possible while the symptoms persist.. In particular, it is advisable to stay away from the elderly and individuals with vulnerable health.
The origin of the A(H1N2)v infection has not been identified and the investigation in this regard continues its regulatory course. “We know that some animal diseases can be transmitted to humans, which is why it is so important to maintain high levels of animal health, welfare and biosecurity,” said the UK's chief veterinarian, Christine Middlemiss.