The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected the first human case of the H1N2 swine flu strain in Britain.
The unidentified person from North Yorkshire was tested by a general practitioner after suffering from respiratory problems.
The patient, who was not identified as having worked with pigs, suffered a “mild illness” and has since made a full recovery.
The influenza strain, called H1N2, is similar to influenza viruses circulating among pigs in the United Kingdom, but this is the first discovery of this strain of influenza in humans in the United Kingdom.
At this stage, experts do not know how transmissible the strain is or whether there could be further cases in the UK.
It is also too early to determine whether the strain is epidemic.
UKHSA said health authorities have not yet found the source of infection, and have opened an investigation into the matter.
Meera Chand, Incident Manager at UKHSA, said: “Thanks to routine influenza surveillance and genome sequencing, we were able to detect the virus. This is the first time we have detected this virus in humans in the UK, although it is very similar to viruses that have been discovered in pigs.” "We are working quickly to trace close contacts and reduce any possible spread. In accordance with established protocols, investigations are underway to find out how the individual became infected and assess whether there are any other cases associated with it."
H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 are the main types of swine flu, which infect pigs and can infect humans.
Only 50 cases of H1N2 have been reported globally since 2005.
In 2009, the H1N1 pandemic caused 474 deaths in the United Kingdom and sparked a global health emergency around the world.
Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinarian, said: “We know that some animal diseases can be transmitted to humans – which is why high standards of animal health, welfare and biosecurity are so important. Through our animal and human control systems, we work together to protect everyone. In this case, We are providing specialist veterinary and scientific knowledge to support the UKHSA investigation.”
Detection of an overlooked factor that increases the risk of myocardial infarction
According to cardiologist Sit Baum, a high lipoprotein(a) level is often overlooked even though it is an important warning sign when assessing the risk of heart disease.
The specialist pointed out in an interview with Fox News that lipoprotein (a) is a complex protein that transports cholesterol in the body. The higher its level, the greater the likelihood of cholesterol accumulating in the blood vessels, which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
He says: “Lipoprotein (a) contains molecules whose high concentration leads to cardiovascular disease.”
According to him, a high concentration of this complex protein in the body causes atherosclerosis, increased risk of blood clots, inflammation, and is an important aspect of the development of cholesterol "plaques" and the risk of myocardial infarction.
“We call it a triple threat,” he adds, noting that 20 percent of the US population is at risk for lipoprotein (a), which is “a very large number.” However, only a few people know its level in their bodies.
The specialist recommends a blood test to determine the level of lipoprotein (a), especially for people who suffer from changes in their health condition. Because it is difficult to control the level of this complex protein with the help of lifestyle factors.