Influenza A Variant Virus Detected in the Netherlands

The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport of the Netherlands recently notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of a laboratory-confirmed human case of infection with a swine-origin influenza A(H1N1) variant virus.

This is the first human swine flu case reported in the Netherlands this year.

As of September 7, 2023, there were no symptomatic contacts of this case; the person has recovered, and no further detections have been reported.

Therefore, the likelihood of community-level spread among humans and/or international disease spread through humans is considered 'low,' says the WHO.

Zoonotic influenza infections are caused by germs, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These germs cause illnesses in people, birds, and animals, ranging from mild to severe infections.

When a swine influenza virus is detected in a person, it is called a "variant influenza virus."

As of September 14, 2023, the CDC says annual 'flu shots' do not prevent zoonotic influenza infections such as swine flu (H3N2) or avian influenza (Bird Flu).