UK reports first human case of never-before-seen swine flu variant

UK health officials have found a new strain of swine flu - similar to a virus currently infecting pigs - in a human in the country for the first time.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that the A(H1N2)v infection was detected during a routine flu screening test in North Yorkshire. The person had respiratory symptoms, a mild illness and had made full recovery from the disease.

Swinging into action, the health officials have been researching here the infections came from and its potential risk to human health.


Human infections with swine flu viruses are not a rarity. In the past 20 years, nearly 50 cases of A(H1N2)v have been reported globally.

As per health officials, the infection detected in the UK is different from recent human cases of swine flu in the world, but shows similarity to viruses found in UK pigs.

The UKHSA said it plans to increase surveillance in hospitals across North Yorkshire.

UKHSA incident director Meera Chand said, "We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce any potential spread. In accordance with established protocols, investigations are under way to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases."

New Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said that a UKHSA "thorough and extensive" screening and monitoring programme led to the identification of the person.

"It's good that this case has been spotted -please trust the UKHSA to do their job and to monitor carefully," she said.

Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to refrain from close contact with others, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable or have underlying health conditions.

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: "We know that some diseases of animals can be transferred to humans - which is why high standards of animal health, welfare and biosecurity are so important."

She emphasised that individuals who own pigs must promptly report any signs of swine flu in their herds to their local veterinarian.