(farmnewsNOW/dreamstime.com)

By Troy Gillard

only 27 cases reported globally since 2005

Alberta investigating Canada’s first case of rare swine flu variant

Nov 4, 2020 | 11:36 AM

EDMONTON — Provincial health and agriculture officials are investigating a rare case of variant swine flu in a patient from central Alberta.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, and Dr. Keith Lehman, chief provincial veterinarian, say the confirmed case of variant Influenza A (H1N2)v appears to be one isolated case and there is no increased risk to Albertans at this time.

This is the only influenza case reported in Alberta so far this flu season.

Hinshaw and Lehman said in a statement that the virus was detected in mid-October after a patient sought medical care after experiencing mild influenza-like symptoms, was tested and then quickly recovered.

They note that there is no evidence at this time that the virus has spread further.

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“Health officials, in conjunction with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, have launched a public health investigation to determine the source of the virus and to verify that no spread occurred,” the statement read.

“AHS will proactively offer influenza testing to residents in parts of central Alberta if they are presenting for COVID-19 testing at an AHS assessment centre. This testing will be optional and supports our ongoing influenza surveillance in the region.

“We are taking this seriously, but Albertans should know that sporadic cases of variant influenza have been reported over the past decade in North America. Variant Influenza A (H1N2) is rare with only 27 cases reported globally since 2005, and no cases in Canada prior to this one.”

The statement said H1N2 is not a food-related illness and is not transmissible to people through pork meat or other products that come from pigs. Officials say there is no risk associated with eating pork.

“We will keep Albertans informed of the outcomes of the public health investigation.”