LIKELY PANDEMIC: NEW SWINE FLU, DISCOVERED IN CHINA

Researchers have discovered a new flu strain identified in pigs in China called G4 EA H1N1 with potentials to infect humans 

According to a seven-year study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the new H1N1 influenza virus in pigs is not an immediate threat.

Experts said the virus had all the essential hallmarks of a candidate pandemic virus as it can grow and multiply in human cells.

The new virus which was estimated to have emerged in 2016 shares similarities with the 2009 swine flu, which killed an estimated 12,469 people in the United States between April 12, 2009, and April 10, 2010.

The study found 10 per cent of farmers who were involved in the research had been infected. However, there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission, or proof that it could occur in the future.

Dr Jemma Geoghegan, a virologist and senior lecturer from the University of Otago, noted there was no evidence the virus poses an "immediate threat" to humans.

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"Pigs are an important reservoir host for influenza viruses where multiple viruses might first 'mix' in pigs, creating new viruses that then jump to humans.

"However, the news that the next viral pandemic will be caused by a new virus found in pigs might be a little premature."

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