This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
June 30, 2020, marked a significant discovery in the world of virology as researchers identified a new flu strain, G4 EA H1N1, in China.
The strain, which has been referred to as a potential pandemic threat, was found in individuals who worked in abattoirs and the swine industry in China.
According to the researchers, the virus has 'all the hallmarks' of being highly adapted to infect humans and requires close monitoring to prevent a global outbreak.
One of the concerns surrounding the new flu strain is that people may have little or no immunity to the virus, making it a potentially serious threat.
Prof Kin-Chow Chang, a researcher at Nottingham University in the UK, emphasized the importance of not losing sight of potentially dangerous new viruses, even in the midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Current flu vaccines do not appear to protect against the new strain, although they could be adapted to do so if needed.
The researchers have called for swift implementation of measures to control the virus in pigs and the close monitoring of swine industry workers.
