Health authorities in the United Kingdom discovered for the first time in the country a case of swine flu infection in a human. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that the infected person became mildly ill and “fully recovered”, although “the source of infection has not yet been identified and remains under investigation”.
This person was detected with A(H1N2)v as part of a routine national influenza surveillance campaign through a PCR test that was sequenced. According to the UKHSA, the patient was examined by a GP after developing respiratory symptoms.
“The UKHSA and partner organizations are tracing close contacts of the case. “All contacts will be tested and will be advised on the additional care needed if they develop symptoms or test positive,” the health agency explained, explaining that the A(H1N2)v virus is similar to influenza. Currently widespread among pigs in the United Kingdom.
Transmission of swine flu to humans is considered “rare,” but has been reported “sporadically,” according to the World Health Organization. Direct or indirect contact with infected animals poses a risk of infection in humans, although currently circulating zoonotic influenza viruses (mainly avian influenza and swine influenza) “human-to-human transmission has not yet been demonstrated.”
“In the case of swine influenza viruses, risk factors include proximity to infected pigs or visiting places where these animals are displayed. The World Health Organization confirms that sporadic cases of infection have been discovered among humans due to swine influenza viruses of subtypes A(H1) and A(H3).
Influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause seasonal epidemics of this disease in humans, although only type A viruses can cause global epidemics, according to information collected by the World Health Organization. The international organization warns that influenza A viruses are ingrained in many animal species, and the emergence of one capable of infecting humans and maintaining human-to-human transmission could cause an influenza pandemic.
“When animal influenza viruses infect their host species, they are given this name: avian influenza virus, swine influenza virus, equine influenza virus, canine influenza virus, etc.,” he explains in detail about the organism, but explains that these animal influenza viruses “vary.” “Human influenza viruses are not easily transmitted to humans or between humans.”
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