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28
Nov 2023
First human case of swine flu strain in UK detected in North Yorkshire
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:
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:
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:
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