Infections with a specific swine flu virus have been detected in the UK. The UK Health and Safety Authority (UKHSA) announced on Monday (November 28, 2023) that the country has never previously recorded a case of infection with this H1N2 variant. The pathogen is slightly different from other recent human cases but is similar to the virus seen in pigs in the UK.
The statement said that during routine surveillance using PCR testing, the influenza A (H1N2) pathogen was detected in only one case.
The affected individuals were tested for respiratory symptoms, had mild illness, and have fully recovered. The source of infection was initially unknown.
Viruses risk becoming more dangerous pathogens
Swine influenza is a very common respiratory viral disease in pigs, of which H1N1, H1N2, H3N2 and H3N1 subtypes are particularly important. H and N represent two viral envelope proteins: hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.
Human infections occur occasionally and are usually harmless. However, they carry the risk that the virus becomes a more dangerous pathogen that can be transmitted from person to person.
According to Health England, some areas in North Yorkshire are closely monitoring the situation and have stepped up surveillance measures. Meera Chand, UKHSA’s head of incidents, said: “We are working urgently to identify close contacts and reduce possible transmission.”
Likewise, its chief veterinarian Christine Middlemiss pledged to provide “expert scientific and veterinary knowledge” to strengthen UKHSA’s investigation into the first case detected in the UK.
“Pig farmers should also immediately notify their local veterinarian of any suspected swine flu in their herds,” the experts added.
According to UKHSA, there have been 50 human cases of A(H1N2)v influenza infection worldwide since 2005. However, none of these cases are genetically related to the mutated virus currently discovered in the UK (1b.1.1).
Starting in 2009, a variant of the H1N1 subtype has spread from Mexico to many countries. After an initial outpouring of attention, it soon became apparent that the disease was, on average, milder than first thought.
FEW(dpa,EFE)