Authorities in Alberta, Canada have confirmed the first human case of H1N2v, a rare variant of the influenza virus commonly found in pigs.
Since 2005, there have been a total of 27 cases of H1N2v across the globe. This is the first confirmed case in Canada. However, Canadian officials are urging locals to stay calm as there’s currently no evidence of increased risk to humans. Furthermore, the influenza virus is not the same as the 1918 Spanish flu or 2009 swine flu pandemic. Neither is it the same as COVID-19.
A confirmed case of variant influenza A (H1N2v) has been detected in central Alberta. This currently appears to be one isolated case and there is no increased risk to Albertans at this time. This is the only influenza case reported in Alberta so far this flu season.
Alberta health officials
H1N2v – Influenza with Swine Origin
The 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic and the 2009 swine flu pandemic both occurred as a result of the H1N1 influenza virus. H1N1 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus that is now endemic in the human population. Furthermore, yearly flu shots generally contain the virus strain.
H1N2 is a type of Influenza A virus, commonly found in the swine population. When it infects humans, it is called the H1N2 variant or, H1N2v. Symptoms are generally mild and include fever, cough and headaches.
Within Western Canada, we have routine surveillance that is undertaken for our swine farms and we tend to see anywhere from roughly 10 to 30 cases identified per quarter. It is a virus that is not uncommon in our swine populations.
Dr. Keith Lehman, the province’s chief veterinarian
Infection commonly occurs after direct or indirect contact with infected pigs. For example, breathing in respiratory droplets from infected pigs or touching something with the virus on it and then touching our mouth or nose. However, it is not a food-borne illness and is not transmitted by consuming pork or other products from pigs.
No Evidence of Human to Human Transmission
According to government officials, they detected the case in mid-October. The patient had presented to the emergency department with mild flu-like symptoms. The hospital conducted tests for COVID-19 and influenza as per hospital protocols. The patient recovered quickly.
Albertan officials have so far found no evidence of the virus in retrospective testing. The source of the virus is still under investigation.
Reference:
Alberta, G. (2020, November 04). Influenza A (H1N2)v: Chief medical officer of health and chief provincial veterinarian. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=75623C5FEEDDE-ABBF-FFB9-4976C9F6E082E0AC
