NIH-supported study pinpoints origin of 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic

(NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) NIAID-supported researchers have used genetic sequencing to show that the 2009 global H1N1 influenza pandemic began in central Mexico, originating in pigs and spreading to humans. Mexico is not typically considered a source of novel influenza strains. The new findings appear online in the journal eLIFE. They shed light on how the novel virus evolved and stress the need for improved influenza surveillance.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news