HSE says Ireland has no swine flu cases, while one is detected in England

The variant influenza A (H1N2)v is one of three major subtypes of swine influenza A viruses in pigs. These can occasionally infect people usually after direct or indirect exposure to pigs or contaminated environments.

"No cases of variant influenza A (H1N2)v have been notified in Ireland," a HSE spokesman said. 

They also issued advice for anyone who might be at risk. “People in close, regular contact with pigs, poultry or water fowl should maintain awareness of influenza symptoms and stay at home if they have symptoms consistent with flu,” he said.

“They should avoid contact with persons in risk groups for influenza and contact their GP if their symptoms worsen or if they are in an at-risk group for flu.” 

The usual respiratory precautions are advised in terms of covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands with soap or alcohol-based hand gels.

“Vaccination remains the best protection against influenza and is recommended for people who have close contact with pigs, poultry and water fowl,” he said.

In England, the UK Health Security Agency said the first detection of this strain of flu in a human was made during a routine national flu surveillance.

The person, living in North Yorkshire, had been tested by their GP and this sample underwent genome sequencing. They said this person experienced a mild illness and has fully recovered.

Surveillance programmes involving GP surgeries and hospitals in parts of North Yorkshire are being increased, the UK HSA said.

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.”