The UK Health Security Agency announced today that it has "detected the first human case of the influenza strain (H1N2), which is similar to a virus currently circulating among pigs. The individual in question experienced mild symptoms and has fully recovered." It was noted that "the case was discovered through routine national influenza surveillance, and the source of infection is unknown." Mira Chand, Director of Incidents at the UK Health Security Agency, stated that "this is the first time we have detected this virus in humans, as this strain closely resembles the viruses observed in pigs."
A statement mentioned that "UK authorities are monitoring close contacts of the case" and added that "the situation is under intense monitoring in surgical theaters and hospitals in the North Yorkshire area of northern England."
In 2009, the swine flu pandemic infected millions of people, stemming from a virus that contained genetic material from viruses circulating among pigs, birds, and humans. The UK Health Security Agency indicated that, based on initial information, the strain responsible for the infection detected in Britain differs from the strain noted in about 50 other human cases reported globally since 2005.
