The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified the first human case of swine flu strain H1N2, similar to the virus found in pigs. The case was detected through routine surveillance in GP surgeries after the individual experienced a mild illness.
UKHSA is actively conducting contact tracing to prevent potential spread of the virus. The transmissibility and potential for a pandemic are still under investigation, with approximately 50 reported cases of the H1N2 strain worldwide. The infected person, who has fully recovered, is not known to have had any contact with pigs.
Meera Chand, Incident Director at UKHSA, attributed the early detection to routine flu surveillance and genome sequencing, emphasizing the rapid response to trace close contacts and minimize potential spread. Investigations are underway to determine the source of the infection and identify any additional cases.
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Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards of animal health, welfare, and biosecurity, stressing the collaboration between animal and human surveillance systems to safeguard public health. Pig keepers are urged to promptly report any suspected swine flu cases in their herds to local veterinary authorities.