British doctors have detected flu strain A(H1N2)v, which is similar to a virus currently circulating in pigs, in a person. It is the first time this virus has shown up in a human.
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency said that the case was detected as part of routine national flu surveillance and the source of infection was not known.
"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," agency director Meera Chand said.
Close contacts of the case are being followed up by the authorities, the statement said, adding that the situation was being monitored with increased surveillance in surgeries and hospitals in North Yorkshire.
