The UK Health and Safety Authority (UKHSA) has confirmed the country’s first human case of H1N2 swine flu. Although this swine flu virus is different from the virus that caused the crisis in 2009, it is important to understand this test result and take the necessary precautions.
A case of H1N2 swine flu has been detected in an area of North Yorkshire and UKHSA is carrying out extensive surveillance to trace close contacts and prevent further spread. Although the source of the infection is unknown, research is ongoing to better understand how the disease was acquired and whether there are more related cases in which people who were infected had milder illnesses and have now fully recovered.
This swine flu virus is different from those discovered over the past decade, which have caused serious consequences in the UK and around the world. However, UKHSA is taking swift and strict action to control the situation and protect public health. Surveillance has been intensified in affected areas, particularly on farms and slaughterhouses, and additional prevention and hygiene measures are being implemented. Swine flu generally does not infect humans, but transmission can occasionally occur among people who have direct contact with pigs.
UKHSA Incident Director Mera Chand reported that they had successfully detected the virus through routine influenza surveillance and stressed that they were rapidly tracing close contacts in accordance with established protocols to reduce any type of transmission.
It is emphasized that there is no reason to panic and it is recommended to follow the usual advice in case of respiratory discomfort. It is important to minimize contact with others and maintain good personal hygiene when you have symptoms. In addition, they are inviting pig farmers to report suspected swine flu in their herds to assist in the investigation and control of the epidemic.
swine flu infection
The AH1N2 swine influenza virus is circulating in many parts of the world; human infection usually occurs due to direct or indirect contact with pigs or contaminated environments. There are important differences at both the antigenic and genetic levels between seasonal influenza viruses that circulate globally in humans and influenza viruses that typically circulate in pigs.
Seasonal influenza viruses that affect humans can cause a range of illness, from mild conjunctivitis to severe pneumonia and even death. Typically, these zoonotic influenza infections in humans are acquired through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.