“First human infection with swine influenza virus discovered in the UK”

[오피니언뉴스=이상석 기자] A case of a human being infected with a new influenza virus transmitted from pigs has been reported in the UK.

This is the first human infection with swine influenza in the UK, and authorities are focusing on confirming the scope of transmission, key links, and serious risks.

On the 27th (local time), the UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) confirmed a case of human infection with the swine influenza virus (H1N2) and notified the World Health Organization (WHO).

The swine influenza virus is a mutation of the new influenza A virus, a common type of flu that affects humans.

Like the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19), it is a zoonotic disease that spreads between animals such as pigs and then spreads to humans.

There have been 50 reported cases of swine influenza virus infecting humans since 2005, but this is the first in the UK.

There was a similar case in the United States last August, but this British case was found to have no genetic link to previous infections, including those in the United States.

It is not yet clear how contagious this virus is or whether there are additional infections.

The infected patient reportedly showed mild symptoms and recovered without being admitted to the hospital. British media outlet The Guardian reported that the patient was found to have never been near pigs.

The Health and Safety Administration is investigating the route of infection and is conducting a follow-up investigation of the patient’s close contacts to prevent further infection.

Testing is supported for those who come into contact with a patient, and additional treatment is recommended if symptoms are present or the test result is positive.

Meera Chand, incident manager at the Health and Safety Executive, said: “We discovered this virus thanks to routine flu surveillance and genome sequencing. We are working quickly to trace close contact cases and reduce potential spread.”

Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer, said: “We are providing specialist veterinary and scientific knowledge to support the Health and Safety Executive. We urge pig farmers to immediately report any suspected infection to their local veterinarian.”

Reporter Lee Sang-seokkant@opinionnews.co.kr
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