Case of H1N2v confirmed in central Alberta, first in Canada

EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – A case of H1N2v has been confirmed in Alberta, marking the first time the variant has been detected in Canada.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said the person who was infected, and who has since recovered, is in central Alberta and that this appears to be an isolated case.

“The virus was detected in mid-October after an Alberta patient sought medical care with influenza-like symptoms,” said Hinshaw.

“The patient experienced mild symptoms, was tested and then quickly recovered. There is no evidence at this time that the virus has spread further.”

H1N2v is rare and the spread of infection between humans is very rare. Human infections usually result in mild respiratory illness, similar to seasonal influenza. The viruses are not transmissible to people through eating pork meat or other pig products. pic.twitter.com/M2o1oflkJE

— Jeff Slack (@Jeffslack660) November 4, 2020

Health officials and Alberta Agriculture are investigating to determine the source of the virus.

Hinshaw said Alberta Health Services (AHS) is offering influenza testing to residents in parts of central Alberta who go in for COVID-19 tests.

“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,” added Hinshaw. “Variant Influenza A (H1N2) is rare with only 27 cases reported globally since 2005, and no cases in Canada prior to this one.”

Hinshaw is reminding people this virus, which had commonly been referred to as the swine flu, is not transmissible through pork meat and there’s no risk from eating those products.

She said Alberta Health will provide updates on the public health investigation.