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H1N1 swaps genes with other pig viruses: scientists
TORONTO — Scientists from Hong Kong are calling for ramped-up surveillance of pig populations after discovering a new swine flu virus that is a hybrid of the pandemic H1N1 virus and viruses previously found in pigs.
The discovery of the virus, found early this year in a pig taken to slaughter in Hong Kong, suggests what experts have feared: the H1N1 virus may reassort easily with other viruses in pigs.
That's a process that could generate new flu viruses that might have the capacity to sicken humans, they warned, noting two viruses high on the pandemic watch list -- H5N1 and H9N2 -- are occasionally found in swine in Asia.
This gene trading raises the risk of creating more virulent strains as pigs are regarded as mixing vessels for flu viruses as they are susceptible to human, avian and swine strains of influenza.
"The 2009 pandemic [virus], although mild and apparently contained at present, could undergo further reassortment in swine and gain virulence," researches from Honk Kong University and Shantou University Medical College in China wrote, CIDRAP News reports.
Originally posted by snowspirit
At least in Canada we didn't have to go through forced vaccinations like in some of the states.
Originally posted by Hatcookie
Originally posted by snowspirit
At least in Canada we didn't have to go through forced vaccinations like in some of the states.
Ha! No, they weren't forced, but I work in the healthcare industry, and it was "you don't have to get the shot, but if you don't we can't let you have any shifts".
I know I know, they are trying to protect the vulnerable, but it was an ultimatum that left me with no choice. I had to take the shot if I wanted to continue to be able to work. If I don't work, I can't pay bills, rent, food ect.
The Northern Territory Centre for Disease Control says there has been a swine flu outbreak in a remote Arnhem Land community.
The centre says 29 cases have been reported in Nhulunbuy, 600 kilometres east of Darwin, in less than a fortnight.
Dr Peter Markey says it is hard to be certain, but he believes the outbreak has reached its peak.
"A couple of people came into hospital but that was all," he said.
"They only stayed a day or two.
"So far there haven't been any serious cases with this cluster."
He says Aboriginal people with health problems are at high risk from swine flu.
"It still can be a pretty severe illness, particularly in those people with the other conditions - pregnant women and Aboriginal people," he said.
"They are the ones who can get seriously ill with it."