Origin Of Swine Flu
Swine flu outbreak of 2009 has caught us unawares. Experts have been unable to provide any specific information about the origin of swine flu infection this time around. Research is underway to find out the exact cause and the source of the virus that has kept everyone on their toes for the last few days. No one is sure of swine flu’s origin. However, the first cases were detected in Mexico. The results of the studies would be able to point the exact nature and source of the flu, that will enable find preventive measures.
The swine flu virus is a new strain of influenza virus. Currently WHO has given it a rating of risk level 5. The first detected cases were in Mexico and United States and experts are trying to find out if it has relation to late season flue cases in Mexico and other cases from Texas and California. Reports have come in about more suspected cases in Mexico and US as well as other countries.
The research carried out on the virus suggests that it is a reassortment of four strains of influenza ‘A’ virus subtype H1N1. The four component strains identified were one endemic in birds, one in humans and two in pigs. There have been further tests and studies conducted. There is all RNA segments of swine origin in the swine flu viral genome as per some scientists. Usually swine flu spreads from pigs to humans who come in contact with them. This is a virulent strain which has been spreading from humans to humans. The people affected have not been in contact with any pigs infected with swine flu.
The first diagnosis was that of a patient who fell ill on March 30 in San Diego County, California. The second case came up on April 17 of a person who had fallen ill on March 28 in Imperial County, California. The outbreak seen in Mexico City was around March 18. Initial assumption by the Mexican authorities was that the cases of influenza like illness were that of late season flu. However, an alert was sounded on April 21 when US Center for Disease Control and Prevention alerted about two isolated cases of a novel swine flu. Samples sent from Mexico to CDC and WHO confirmed the samples as that of H1N1. Some doctors handling swine flu cases in California think that the virus has not originated from Mexico. It may have originated around the border region of California.
The virus has affected mainly young, healthy adults. Usually influenza strains cause worst symptoms in young children and elderly who have a weaker immune system. The innate unpredictability of influenza strains makes it difficult to forecast anything about it.
At the end of April, WHO expressed concern of it becoming a worldwide pandemic. The concern mainly is because the virus easily spreads from humans to humans and is not from pigs to humans. As there is constant movement of people from one place to another or even a new country, the concern about a looming pandemic has grown.
There is yet no specific information about the origin of swine flu outbreak of 2009. Besides the studies vaccines are also being prepared to keep away from this disease. It could be Mexico, California or some other place. We will have to simply wait and watch and be careful.
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