The UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a case of human infection with the swine flu virus (H1N2) on the 27th (local time) and promptly notified the World Health Organization (WHO). This marks the first reported case of swine flu in the UK, prompting authorities to focus on confirming the scope of transmission, identifying key contacts, and assessing potential risks.
The swine flu virus, a mutation of the new influenza A virus, is a zoonotic disease that can spread from animals such as pigs to humans, similar to the transmission of the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19).
Since 2005, there have been 50 reported cases of swine flu virus infecting humans, with the UK case being the first of its kind in the country. While a similar case was reported in the US last August, genetic analysis has shown no link between the UK case and previous infections, including those in the US.
The infected patient reportedly displayed mild symptoms and has since recovered without needing hospitalization. Notably, the patient had no known contact with pigs, raising questions about the mode of transmission.
In response to the case, the UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) is actively investigating the route of infection and conducting follow-up investigations of the patient’s close contacts to prevent further spread. Testing and additional treatment are being recommended for those who have come into contact with the patient and exhibit symptoms or test positive.
Meera Chand, incident manager at the Health and Safety Executive, emphasized the importance of swift action in tracing close contacts and minimizing potential spread. Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer, has encouraged pig farmers to promptly report any suspected infections to their local vet.
The discovery of this case underscores the significance of routine flu surveillance and genome sequencing in identifying and addressing potential health threats. The UKHSA is working diligently to mitigate the impact of this case and prevent further transmission.
By Lee Sang-seokk
Copyright © Opinion News Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited
The UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) confirmed a case of human infection with swine flu virus (H1N2) on the 27th (local time) and notified the World Health Organization (WHO). Photo = Guardian
[오피니언뉴스=이상석 기자] A case of a man becoming infected with a new flu virus transmitted from pigs has been reported in the UK.
This is the first human infection with swine flu in the UK, and authorities are focusing on confirming the scope of transmission, key contacts, and serious risks.
The UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) confirmed a case of human infection with swine flu virus (H1N2) on the 27th (local time) and notified the World Health Organization (WHO).
The swine flu virus is a mutation of the new influenza A virus, a common type of flu that affects humans.
Like the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19), it is a zoonotic disease that spreads between animals such as pigs and then spreads to humans.
There have been 50 reports of swine flu virus infecting humans since 2005, but this is the first in the UK.
There was a similar case in the US last August, but this British case was found to have no genetic link to previous infections, including those in the US.
It is not yet clear how contagious this virus is or if there are additional infections.
The infected patient is said to have shown mild symptoms and recovered without being admitted to hospital. British media outlet The Guardian reported that it was found that the patient had never been close to pigs.
The Ministry of Health and Safety is investigating the route of infection and conducting a follow-up investigation of the patient’s close contacts in order to prevent further infections.
Testing is supported for those who come into contact with a patient, and additional treatment is recommended if symptoms are present or if the test result is positive.
Meera Chand, incident manager at the Health and Safety Executive, said: “We discovered this virus thanks to routine flu surveillance and genome sequencing. We are working quickly to trace cases of close contact and reduce potential spread.”
Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer, said: “We provide specialist veterinary and scientific information to support the Health and Safety Executive. We encourage pig farmers to immediately report any suspected infection to their local vet.”
Reporter Lee Sang-seokkant@opinionnews.co.kr
Copyright © Opinion News Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited
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