First human case similar to swine flu detected in the UK

Health officials are urgently working to trace contacts of an individual who has been infected with the H1N2 strain of Swine Flu

The UK reports its first case of A(H1N2)v; the individual who has been in contact with this variant has experienced mild illness and has fully recovered.

Swine flu and the H1N2 strain

Only fifty human cases of this strain have been documented since 2005, and the recent case in the UK is genetically unrelated to previous cases.

The influenza A(H1N2)v variant is similar to viruses circulating in pigs. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has had to formally notify the World Health Organisation of this detection.

The Guardian reported that the case was detected as a part of a routine national flu surveillance. On November 9, the individual with respiratory symptoms underwent testing by their GP. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and genome sequencing revealed the presence of H1N2.

The person infected with this virus was not hospitalised and had no relation to working with pigs. The cause of this infection remains uncertain.

UKHSA efforts to limit infection

The UK Health Security Agency is engaging in contact tracing efforts for close contacts to help migrate the potential spread of the virus. Still, it remains unclear how this strain can be transmitted and if there are more cases within the UK.

Heightened surveillance methods are also being implemented in surgeries and hospitals across North Yorkshire, where the case was found.

People in contact with the individual will be offered testing; if needed, they will be offered further advice on how to deal with the virus if they test positive. Those contacted and therefore asked to test are encouraged to help prevent the virus from spreading.

Swine flu: 2009

Swine flu is induced by three subtypes: H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2. These usually infect humans and are related to direct or indirect exposure to pigs or contaminated environments.

In 2009, the H1N1 strain caused the swine flu pandemic; the virus responsible for the infection contained genetic material circulated from viruses circulating in pigs, birds, and humans. Swine flu is now a virus that spreads seasonally.