First human case of swine flu A (H1N2) confirmed

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Wednesday, August 16, 2023

The United States has notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of a case of human infection with a new variant of the H1N2 swine flu virus. The news, from Michigan, marks an important event in public health.

The case involved a child under the age of 18, according to information provided by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fortunately, the patient did not need to be hospitalized and is currently recovering.

An investigation by the local public health department showed that the patient may have been exposed to the virus when he came into contact with live pigs at a farmers’ market. Despite this presence, no “sustained transmission” between humans has been detected so far.

characteristic symptoms of infection

The patient presented with a range of symptoms characteristic of influenza virus infection, including fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness and lethargy. After going to the emergency room on July 29, an upper respiratory sample was collected on July 30, which was positive for influenza A virus, and antiviral treatment was started on August 1.

The case is the first case of H1N2 variant influenza virus infection in the United States this year. Since 2005, a total of 512 cases of mutated influenza A virus infection have been reported nationwide, including 37 cases of human infection with influenza A H1N2 virus.

The A(H1N2) swine influenza virus is present in pig herds around the world. Although direct or indirect contact with pigs or contaminated environments is often the cause of human infection, sustained human-to-human transmission has not been observed to date.

Do not change the current proposal

The World Health Organization issued a statement clarifying that the case did not modify current recommendations on public health measures and seasonal influenza surveillance. Given the current status of human-animal contact with influenza viruses, no special screening or additional restrictions at points of entry are recommended.

However, it is recommended to avoid contact with unexplained sick or dead animals, including wild animals. It is critical to report wild bird and mammal deaths to local wildlife or veterinary authorities. In addition, travelers to countries with known outbreaks of animal influenza are advised to avoid farms, live animal markets, and animal slaughter areas, while practicing strict hand hygiene.