UK confirms first case of swine flu

The UK Health and Safety Authority (UKHSA) reported on Monday that it had detected the first human case of swine flu.

The UK Health Safety Authority explained in a statement today that the infectious disease was discovered during “routine surveillance” for the influenza virus after the patient’s doctor tested positive while experiencing “respiratory symptoms”.

The note noted that the man had “mild illness” and that he had “fully recovered” from the H1N2 subtype of the swine influenza virus, or swine flu.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says on its website that swine flu viruses generally do not infect humans, although there have been occasional reports of outbreaks among people in direct contact with pigs.

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UK confirms first human case of swine flu

There are also documented cases of human-to-human transmission.

To this extent, UKHSA stated that “the source of infection has not yet been identified” and therefore “remains under investigation”.

“We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and mitigate any potential spread. In accordance with established protocols, an investigation will be conducted to find out how the person became infected and to assess whether there are more related cases.” Meera, the agency’s incident director Chand said in the report.

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 inform their local veterinarian of any suspected swine flu in their herds,” the experts added.

Information from EFE.

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