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The Statens Serum Institut (SSI) reported today on a case of influenza (an unspecified novel swine flu virus) in a citizen of Denmark with a virus variant that probably originates from pigs.

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The finding was made via the national influenza monitoring at the Statens Serum Institut (SSI).

The sample was taken at the end of November 2021, when the patient was admitted to the hospital for a few days with acutely occurring serious illness. The patient was carefully examined and the only thing found was influenza virus detected in a sample from the respiratory tract.

Upon closer analysis of the influenza virus in question from the sample, it was found that it is a virus that has so far only been detected in pigs.

It is a isolated case and no further related cases are known in Denmark. Nor have other cases of this virus been detected by laboratory monitoring.

It is estimated that the patient has been infected in connection with his work at a Danish pig slaughterhouse.

Furthermore, it is not estimated that there is no risk of further human-to-human transmission.

In the national monitoring of influenza in pigs, swine flu has been detected that is very similar to the virus that has now been found in the infected citizen, in three pig herds in Denmark earlier in 2021.

It is known that swine flu virus is found in Danish pig herds.

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In the beginning of 2021, a case of infection with swine flu virus was also found in a Danish citizen. However, the new case has nothing to do with the previous case.

SSI is now in the process of gathering further information to further clarify the clinical course and mode of transmission.

SSI will continue to monitor the presence of these types of influenza viruses. Both in Danish patients and as part of the monitoring of influenza virus in Danish pig herds.

A close collaboration is currently underway on the relevant infection episode between the Danish health authorities and the veterinary authorities. At the same time, the WHO and the European health authorities have been informed.