UK notifies WHO about new strain of Swine flu, here is what we know about it

The UK health officials are investigating the first confirmed case of a new strain of swine flu in the UK after the A(H1N2)v infection was detected in a routine flu screening test at a GP surgery in North Yorkshire. According to the BBC, the health officials said the person had respiratory symptoms, a mild illness, and had fully recovered. It is interesting to note that he is not known to have worked with pigs. So the investigations will look at where the infection came from and its risk to human health. The UK government has notified the the World Health Organisation about it.

Govt to increase surveillance

Confirming it, the UK Health Security Agency said it will increase surveillance through GP surgeries and hospitals in parts of North Yorkshire where the case has been detected. UKHSA Director Meera Chand said, "We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce any potential spread." He said further that investigations are underway in accordance with the protocol to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases.

"Thorough and extensive" screening

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said the individual was identified through a "thorough and extensive" screening and monitoring program run by UKHSA. She said, "It's good that this case has been spotted - please trust the UKHSA to do their job and to monitor carefully."

Health officials have advised people with flu-like symptoms to avoid contact with others, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable, with other health conditions.

UK notifies WHO

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said that the health officials are aware that some diseases of animals can be transferred to humans, which is why high standards of animal health, welfare and biosecurity are so important.

Meanwhile, the UKHSA has notified the World Health Organisation of the latest case. Earlier in 2009, there was a pandemic in humans caused by flu strain H1N1, commonly referred to as swine flu.

FAQs:

Where has a new strain of Swine flu been detected in human beings?
A new strain of swine flu has been detected in a routine flu screening test at a GP surgery in North Yorkshire. According to the BBC, the health officials said the person hadThe Feedrespiratory symptoms, a mild illness and had fully recovered. But he is not known to have worked with pigs.

When was a pandemic caused by flu strain?
Earlier in 2009, there was a pandemic in humans caused by flu strain H1N1, commonly referred to as swine flu.The UKHSA has notified the World Health Organisation of the latest case.