UK records first human case of new swine flu strain H1N2

UK records first human case of new swine flu strain H1N2, per Reuters.

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On Monday, the United Kingdom reported the identification of the first human case of the flu strain A(H1N2)v, closely related to a virus presently present in pigs. The individual affected had a mild illness and has fully recovered, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The UKHSA stated that the case was discovered through routine national flu surveillance, and the origin of the infection remains unknown. Meera Chand, the UKHSA incident director, mentioned, "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."

Authorities are actively following up with close contacts of the case. The situation is under careful observation, with increased surveillance in medical facilities in North Yorkshire, a region in northern England.

In 2009, the swine flu pandemic affected millions of people globally. It was caused by a virus containing genetic material from viruses circulating in pigs, birds, and humans.

According to the UKHSA, the recent infection identified in Britain appears to differ from the approximately 50 other human cases of this strain found worldwide since 2005, based on initial information.