Scientists in China have uncovered a new type of swine flu virus that could develop into a human pandemic. Here we provide a detailed explanation of the reasons for the new study, and the things that motivate scientists to worry.

The study was conducted by scientists from Chinese universities in the world, led by George Gao of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Beijing, and published Monday in the journal "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States."

The new virus is called the "4 G", descended genetically from the strain of swine virus, "HP 1 1 The flu" that caused pandemic in 2009.

Between 2011 and 2018, researchers took 30,000 swabs from swine in slaughterhouses in 10 Chinese provinces and a veterinary hospital, which allowed them to isolate 179 swine flu viruses.

Starting in 2016, they were able to notice that the new virus, the "G4" H1N1 virus, is very common in pigs.

The researchers then conducted various experiments, including the ferret, which is used widely in studies of influenza because symptoms are similar to symptoms of human shows, especially fever, coughing and sneezing.

The team wrote that the different kind of H1N1 influenza virus, which circulated as swine flu in 2009, is found only in pigs but can also infect humans.

 Why do you feel terrified?

  • Scientists warn that the changing genotype of the virus shows all signs of a possible pandemic.
  • The virus possesses all the essential characteristics of a highly adaptive human infection.
  • The G4 virus is highly contagious and multiplies in human cells.
  • The virus is transmitted from animals to humans.
  • Researchers say human infection with 4 G will promote human adaptation to it and increase the risk of the spread of a pandemic.
  • Scientists have successfully demonstrated in experiments on animal ferret that the virus is transmissible infection through aerosols.

The good news

Ten pig breeders who have undergone screening in the study were new genetic type of virus "4 G", however this has not led so far to a serious wave of new flu.

Carl Bergstrom, a biologist at the University of Washington, said on Twitter that the new virus does not constitute a serious pandemic imminent. "There is no evidence that G4 is transmitted from person to person although it has been widespread for 5 years," says Bergstrom.

Although the virus is transmitted from animals to humans, there is no evidence yet that it can be transmitted from human to human.

Nevertheless, the authors warn in their study that "systematic monitoring of influenza viruses in swine is essential for early warning and preparation for the next possible epidemic."

Said James Wood, a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Cambridge, who was not involved in the study, "This work should remind us that the causes of animal diseases, the new origin can appear at any time."

Wood warned that "farm animals that have close contact with humans can be a more important source of epidemic viruses than wild animals."

When asked about the virus Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Legian said at a regular press conference that China is "closely following its development" and will take all necessary measures to prevent its spread and any outbreaks of it.