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Nov 2023

Last Updated: 28/11/2023

Health

First human case of swine flu strain in UK detected in North Yorkshire

by Flora Grafton

| 28 Nov, 2023

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced the first human trace of the influenza A(H1N2)v strain was detected in a North Yorkshire patient.

The disease, which is commonly known as swine flu, is similar to flu viruses currently circulating in pigs in the UK.

The UKHSA said yesterday that the strain was detected during a routine flu inspection undertaken with the Royal College of General Practitioners and is the first human case to be detected in the UK.

It said the individual was tested by their GP after “experience respiratory symptoms”, adding:

“Influenza A(H1N2)v virus was detected by UKHSA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and characterised using genome sequencing.

“The individual concerned experienced a mild illness and has fully recovered.”

The source of infection has not yet been discovered and the case remains under investigation.

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Anyone experience respiratory symptoms is advised to avoid contact with other people while symptoms persist - particularly the elderly and those with existing medical conditions.

The UK Health Security Agency also said:

“As is usual early in emerging infection events, UKHSA is working closely with partners to determine the characteristics of the pathogen and assess the risk to human health.

“UKHSA is monitoring the situation closely and is taking steps to increase surveillance within existing programmes involving GP surgeries and hospitals in parts of North Yorkshire.

“To assist in the detection of cases and assessment of transmission, those people who are contacted and asked to test are encouraged to do so.”

The last outbreak of swine flu was in 2009; a virus spreading through pigs and birds caused a subsequent pandemic in humans in the UK.

The UKHSA said there have been 50 human cases of influenza A(H1N2)v reported globally since 2005 - none of which are “genetically related” to the most recent strain.

Chief veterinary office, Christine Middlemiss, added:

“We know that some diseases of animals can be transferred to humans – which is why high standards of animal health, welfare and biosecurity are so important.

"Through our animal and human surveillance systems we work together to protect everyone. In this case we are providing specialist veterinary and scientific knowledge to support the UKHSA investigation. Pig keepers must also report any suspicion of swine flu in their herds to their local vet immediately.”

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First human case of swine flu strain in UK detected in North Yorkshire

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