On Monday, November 27, the British Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) officially announced a first case of swine flu virus in humans. Should we be worried about this discovery? Update with Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of TipsForWomens.
This is a first in the United Kingdom: the British health security agency published on its website Monday, November 27, a press release announcing the detection of a first case of swine flu in humans. The British patient is said to have suffered “a mild illness” and is “fully recovered” at present.
Detection as part of “usual national surveillance”
This case of swine flu is described as “isolated” by health authorities. It has been detected”as part of usual national surveillance“. “UKHSA has detected a confirmed and isolated human case of influenza A(H1N2)v virus” can we read in the agency’s communication, which also specifies that the source of the infection “has not yet been determined and is still under investigation“.
To reassure the population, Meera Chand, director general at the UKHSA, specifies: “We are working to quickly trace close contacts (of the infected person) and reduce any potential contamination.”.
Swine flu, transmitted by the H1N2 virus
Swine flu is transmitted by the H1N2 virus, which is a “of the major subtypes of swine influenza viruses in pigs and occasionally infect humans, usually after direct or indirect exposure to pigs or contaminated environments” further details the British agency.
It can cause symptoms identical to the classic flu, such as cough, fever, runny nose, muscle pain and transit disorders, such as diarrhea but also nausea and vomiting.
Should we be worried about this contamination?
Questioned on the subject, Dr Gérald Kierzek wants to be reassuring. “There have already been several cases of contamination in humans, mainly people exposed to pigs, such as breeders. calls back the doctor. “What needs to be determined now is the risk of cross-species contamination. If it exists, the virus can of course mutate and that would be more annoying. At present, this is not the case and what is reassuring is that this Briton’s symptoms were mild. concludes the doctor.
Remember that in total, around fifty cases of swine flu have been recorded around the world since 2005.