What virus caused the Hong Kong flu?
What virus caused the Hong Kong flu?
The Asian flu was caused by an avian H2N2 influenza A strain, and the Hong Kong flu was caused by an H3N2 strain that was a reassortment of human and avian viruses as well. The H1N1 pandemic which began in 2009–10 was a reassortment virus containing human, avian, and porcine viral elements.
How long did Hong Kong flu pandemic last?
1968 flu pandemic, also called Hong Kong flu pandemic of 1968 or Hong Kong flu of 1968, global outbreak of influenza that originated in China in July 1968 and lasted until 1969–70.
Was there a vaccine for the Hong Kong flu in 1969?
Studies of the effect of Hong Kong (HK) influenza vaccine were made in adults and children in Great Britain during 1968 and 1969. The vaccines were administered intramuscularly and also by intranasal spray.
Where did the Hong Kong flu start?
Abstract. The Hong Kong strain of influenza virus A2 may have originated in the mainland of China but this is not certain. It caused a very large epidemic in Hong Kong and spread rapidly to countries as far as India and the Northern Territory of Australia—as happened in the 1957 epidemic.
How did the Hong Kong flu start?
It was caused by an H3N2 strain of the influenza A virus, descended from H2N2 through antigenic shift, a genetic process in which genes from multiple subtypes reassorted to form a new virus.
How contagious was the Hong Kong flu?
Highly contagious However, it descended from the earlier H2N2 Asian flu strain. Hong Kong Flu was highly contagious and spread fast – first across Southeast Asia, then the world, including Australia, Africa, Europe and South America, reaching the US via troops returning to California from Vietnam in October 1968.
Was the Hong Kong flu A virus?
Hong Kong flu was one of the famous influenza pandemics in history. It was caused by an H3N2 strain of the influenza A virus, descended from H2N2 through antigenic shift, a genetic process in which genes from multiple subtypes reassorted to form a new virus.
What type of virus is H2N3?
H2N3 is a subtype of the influenza A virus. Its name derives from the forms of the two kinds of proteins on the surface of its coat, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). H2N3 viruses can infect birds and mammals . Influenza A virus subtype H2N3. Virus classification.
Can humans get H3N2v from pigs?
Infections with H3N2v have mostly been associated with prolonged exposure to pigs at agricultural fairs. Limited human-to-human spread of this virus has been detected in the past as well but no sustained or community spread of H3N2v has been identified at this time.
Can H2N3 virus cause severe pneumonia in nonhuman primates?
In contrast to human H2N2 virus, which served as a control and largely caused mild pneumonia similar to seasonal influenza A viruses, the swine H2N3 virus was more pathogenic causing severe pneumonia in nonhuman primates.
Can I go to a fair with H3N2v?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to monitor this situation closely and will report cases of H3N2v and other variant influenza viruses weekly in FluView. If you are at high risk of serious flu complications and are going to a fair where pigs will be present, avoid pigs and swine barns at the fair.
