Reason to worry? UK detects first human case of flu strain similar to swine flu

The individual concerned had experienced a mild illness and fully recovered, UK's health ministry said.

Updated on: Nov 27, 2023, 19:57:14 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Britain said that it had detected a first human case of flu strain A(H1N2)v, which is similar to a virus currently circulating in pigs. The individual concerned had experienced a mild illness and fully recovered, UK's health ministry said.

The individual concerned had experienced a mild illness and fully recovered, UK's health ministry said. (Representational)

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that the case was detected as part of routine national flu surveillance. The source of infection was not known yet but close contacts of the case are being followed up by the health authorities. The situation is being monitored with increased surveillance in surgeries and hospitals in North Yorkshire, the UKHSA said in a statement.

Read more: What's Merriam-Webster's word for 2023? Hint: We should value it more

"This is the first time we have detected this virus in humans in the UK, though it is very similar to viruses that have been detected in pigs," UKHSA incident director Meera Chand said as per news agency Reuters.

The UKHSA said that based on early information the infection detected recently in Britain was different from cases of the strain found elsewhere globally since 2005. In 2009, the swine flu pandemic in humans infected millions of people. It was caused by a virus which contained genetic material from viruses that were circulating in pigs, birds and humans.

The variant was first found in a minor in the US state of Michigan earlier this year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Britain

Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.