UK records first human case of new swine flu variant
A BRIT has become the first in the UK to be diagnosed with a new strain of swine flu, health officials have announced.
The person tested positive for the bug after visiting their GP when "experiencing respiratory symptoms'" the UK Health Security (UKHSA) said.
Health chiefs are now scrambling to find the source of the infection while close contacts of the infected individual are being contacted.
The patient experienced mild symptoms and has now recovered.
It is also too early to say if the strain could have pandemic potential.
There are around 50 reported cases worldwide of the H1N2 strain in humans.
Meera Chand, incident director at UKHSA, said: "This is the first time we have detected this virus in humans in the UK, though it is very similar to viruses that have been detected in pigs,
"We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce any potential spread.
"In accordance with established protocols, investigations are underway to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases.”
Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: "Pig keepers must also report any suspicion of swine flu in their herds to their local vet immediately.”
The strain, H1N2, can be passed from pigs to humans, but only in rare cases spreads between humans.