A recent discovery by scientists has spotlighted a budding health concern. A novel influenza virus strain, infecting pigs in China, have been identified. This strain, dubbed G4, is perceived to be an offshoot of the H1N1 strain responsible for the 2009 swine flu pandemic. A pandemic is characterized by the appearance of a new strain that can efficiently spread among humans.
Unveiling the G4 Strain
The identification of this new influenza virus strain came about through comprehensive surveillance and monitoring of the pig population in China over seven years (2011-2018) from ten provinces. The G4 strain presents a potential risk as it has shown the ability to grow and multiply in the cells lining the human airways. It also demonstrated the ability to bind to human-type receptors, a characteristic shared with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The detectable evidence of recent infection was found in individuals working in abattoirs and those involved in the swine industry within China. However, there’s uncertainty surrounding the possibility of human-to-human transmission of this new strain. Additionally, current flu vaccines do not provide protection against the G4 strain, although necessary adaptations could enhance efficacy.
Pig Pandemic Connection
Pigs serve as intermediate hosts in the development of pandemic influenza viruses, offering parasitic nourishment and sanctuary. It is crucial to consistently monitor influenza viruses in pigs to preemptively identify the emergence of potential pandemic strains.
In the face of the emerging G4 virus, there is a significant need to control its prevalence amongst pigs urgently.
The 2009 Swine Flu Pandemic
The 2009 global pandemic was mainly due to a virulent strain of swine flu known as H1N1, notable for its human-to-human transmission ability. Swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs, caused by type A influenza viruses like H1N1. The alias “swine flu” originated from past instances where the disease occurred in humans in proximity to pigs.
Although it is rare for humans to contract a virus that predominantly circulates among pigs, when such an infection occurs, it is termed a “variant influenza virus”. In 2009, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a pandemic of the type A H1N1 influenza virus, around which time there were approximately 30,000 recorded cases globally.
Transmission and Symptoms
The virus transmission primarily occurs through short-distance airborne transmission, most notably in cramped enclosed spaces. Other potential transmission vectors include hand contamination and direct contact.
The symptoms indicating swine flu infection are fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. Antiviral therapy forms the primary line of treatment, with medications like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab) being commonly employed.