H1N2 swine flu case reported in Alberta

By NewsDesk @ bactiman63

Swine flu viruses do not normally infect people; however, sporadic human infections with these viruses have occurred.

Agricultural and health officials in Alberta are reporting a human case of influenza A (H1N2) v in an individual in the central part of the province.

This is the first case of this type of H1N2v reported in Canada.

In a statement by Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health, and Dr. Keith Lehman, Provincial Chief Veterinarian, said:

“A confirmed case of influenza A (H1N2) v variant has been detected in central Alberta. Currently, this appears to be an isolated case and there is no increased risk to Albertans at this time. This is the only case of influenza reported in Alberta so far this influenza season.

“The virus was detected in mid-October after an Alberta patient sought medical attention with flu-like symptoms. The patient experienced mild symptoms, was examined, and then made a rapid recovery. At this time, there is no evidence that the virus has spread further.

“Health officials, along with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, have launched a public health investigation to determine the source of the virus and verify that it has not spread. The Government of Alberta will continue to work closely with Alberta Health Services, the Public Health Agency of Canada and other partners in Canada.

“AHS will proactively offer influenza testing to residents in parts of central Alberta if they appear for COVID-19 testing at an AHS testing center. This test will be optional and supports our continued surveillance for influenza in the region.

“We are taking this seriously, but Albertans should know that sporadic cases of variant influenza have been reported over the past decade in North America. The influenza A (H1N2) variant is rare with only 27 cases reported globally since 2005, and no cases in Canada prior to this.

“H1N2 is not a food-related illness. It is not transmitted to people through pork or other products that come from pigs and there is no risk associated with eating pork.

“We will keep Albertans informed of the results of the public health investigation.”

Spread between pigs and people is believed to occur primarily when an infected pig (or human) coughs or sneezes and the flu virus droplets are spread through the air. If these droplets fall into the nose or mouth, or are inhaled, that person (or pig) could be infected. There is also some evidence that the virus can be spread by touching something that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose. A third way to possibly become infected is to breathe in particles that contain the influenza virus. Influenza has not been shown to be transmissible to people through the consumption of properly prepared and handled pork (pork) or other products derived from pigs.

Most commonly, human infections with virus variants occur in people exposed to infected pigs (for example, at a fair or at work). The disease associated with a variant of the virus infection includes symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu. Most illnesses have been mild, but like seasonal flu, hospitalizations and death can occur. There have been documented cases of several people becoming ill after exposure to one or more infected pigs and also cases of limited spread of variant influenza viruses from one person to another.

Related:

Germany reports case of ‘swine flu’ in child

Swine Flu Virus Has Potential for Pandemic Spread in Humans: Study

Swine Flu Detected in Pigs at Jackson County Fair, Michigan