BritishThe Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recorded the first case of swine flu infection in humans, the virus belongs to the influenza A (H1N2) strain.
The patient was discovered to have influenza after being examined at a general hospital in North Yorkshire for respiratory problems. This person had mild symptoms and recovered, without needing to be hospitalized.
Currently, experts have not determined the source of infection, and the patient has never had contact with pigs. UKHSA said it is closely monitoring the situation and taking specific steps to strengthen surveillance at the hospital.
Since 2005, the world has discovered a total of 50 cases of influenza A (H1N2) infection in humans. The new case is not genetically related to previous cases. Based on initial information, the patient carries a separate form of H1N2, named 1b.1.1. He officially notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the above discovery.
At this stage, experts have not confirmed the level of transmission of the virus strain, nor have they concluded about other cases in the UK. Meera Chand, incident director at UKHSA, said thanks to regular flu surveillance and full genetic sequencing, the UK was able to detect the virus quickly.
Pigs on a farm. Image: Alamy
“We are expediting contact tracing and working to minimize any potential spread. According to established procedures, we are investigating whether anyone else is sick and evaluating related cases,” he said. If there are symptoms or positive test results, people will be offered testing and advice on necessary care measures.
According to Christine Middlemiss, UKHSA's director of veterinary medicine, many animal diseases can be transmitted to humans. This is why the UK addresses animal health, welfare and biosecurity standards.
H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 are the main subtypes of influenza A viruses in pigs, which sometimes infect humans. In 2009, the world recorded the H1N1 influenza pandemic. To date, it has become a seasonal circulating pathogen.
Like other strains of influenza A, people infected with H1N2 often have symptoms of sore throat, body aches, headache, runny nose, high fever, cough, watery eyes, chills, and loss of appetite. Complications are asthma, pneumonia, severe metabolic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (if there is a history). Children are at risk of febrile seizures. H1N2 infection in the mother can negatively affect the fetus.
Thuc Linh (Follow Guardian)
