Possible Swine Flu Case in Spain
NEWS OVERVIEW:
Health officials in Spain reported a possible human case of swine flu that may involve person-to-person transmission. The patient had no direct contact with pigs, and further testing is underway. Experts say the risk to the general public remains low at this time.
Some details for the context:
- Spain notified the WHO of a suspected human swine flu case that may involve person-to-person spread.
- The WHO’s reference laboratory in Britain is conducting additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.
- During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, the U.S. recorded an estimated 60.8 million cases, 274,304 hospitalizations and 12,469 deaths.
- Most human swine flu cases are mild and typically occur after close contact with pigs.
- Experts say heightened surveillance is important to monitor possible virus adaptation or wider circulation.