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New flu virus discovered: ‘Can potentially cause pandemic’

Chinese scientists have discovered a new variant of the flu. Scientists say the virus could “potentially cause a pandemic.” The virus has turned up in pigs and can be transmitted to humans, the researchers say.

The scientists are concerned that the virus mutates in such a way that it can be transmitted from person to person and can thus spread worldwide.

Pig farm workers had elevated levels of the virus in their blood. The researchers recommend stricter supervision, especially for people who work in the pig industry.

Looks like swine flu

The new virus, named G4 EA H1N1, is similar to 2009 swine flu but with some changes. Current influenza vaccines do not yet seem to protect against it. But these vaccines can be adjusted if necessary.

It is not yet a direct problem, but it has all the characteristics that it can easily adapt to people, say the scientists. Therefore, it needs to be closely monitored. Because it is a new virus, it is possible that people are hardly immune to it.

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