More On: China pandemic
A new strain of swine flu which has the potential to spread to humans and other pandemic has been identified in China
Scientists in China say they have found a new virus that is similar to the swine flu that caused a pandemic in 2009. Named G4 EA H1N1, the virus is similar to the swine flu that caused a pandemic in 2009 and possesses “all the essential hallmarks of a candidate pandemic virus”, according to the …
Scientists in China say they have found a new virus that is similar to the swine flu that caused a pandemic in 2009.
Named G4 EA H1N1, the virus is similar to the swine flu that caused a pandemic in 2009 and possesses “all the essential hallmarks of a candidate pandemic virus”, according to the authors of the study.
Scientists at Chinese universities and China’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detected the new virus after analysing 30,000 nasal swabs from pigs in slaughterhouses in 10 Chinese provinces between 2011 and 2018.
They found the new strain has been predominant among pigs since 2016.
One in 10 pig farm workers tested also showed elevated levels of the virus in their blood, particularly those aged 18 to 35 years old.
Tests showed that any immunity humans gain from exposure to seasonal flu does not provide protection from G4.
The researchers said they are concerned the virus could mutate so that it can pass from human to human and spark a global outbreak.
“Such infectivity greatly enhances the opportunity for virus adaptation in humans and raises concerns for the possible generation of pandemic viruses,” they said.
“Systematic surveillance of influenza viruses in pigs is essential for early warning and preparedness for the next potential pandemic.
“Close monitoring in human populations, especially the workers in the swine industry, should be urgently implemented.”
But while it is capable of infecting humans, there is no imminent threat of a new pandemic, said Carl Bergstrom, a biologist at the University of Washington.
“There’s no evidence that G4 is circulating in humans, despite five years of extensive exposure,” he said on Twitter after the paper’s publication.
“That’s the key context to keep in mind.”
The study was published in the US journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Christian Lindmeier, a spokesman of the World Health Organisation (WHO), said it was important to collaborate on findings and keep tabs on animal populations.
“It also highlights we cannot let our guard down on influenza and need to be vigilant and continue surveillance, even in the coronavirus pandemic,” he added.
