Human Swine Flu Case Confirmed in Catalonia's Lleida

Catalan health authorities have confirmed a human case of swine flu in Lleida, prompting an investigation and heightened surveillance.

The Catalan Department of Health announced the detection of influenza A (H1N1) in a patient who had no prior exposure to pigs, farms, or other potential animal sources. The individual, who has underlying chronic conditions, visited a hospital on 30 January for an unrelated illness without showing flu-like respiratory symptoms. Notification reached the Catalan Public Health Secretariat on 11 February.

Officials have tested the patient's close contacts, all of whom remain asymptomatic with negative results. Authorities ruled out sample contamination or errors. The case was reported to Spain's Centre for Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies (CCAES) on 13 February, which notified the World Health Organization's reference centre in line with International Health Regulations requiring declaration of human swine flu infections.

Epidemiological monitoring continues at national level, with regular updates shared among public health bodies. Experts from the WHO, CCAES, and Catalan health services are jointly assessing the situation.

Swine flu subtypes (H1N1, H1N2, H3N2) circulate widely in pig populations and occasionally spill over to humans, typically through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. This marks Spain's fourth such case since 2009, following another in Catalonia last year.

Human infections are generally mild, with limited and non-sustained person-to-person spread, though severe outcomes can occur in vulnerable individuals. Officials assess the public health risk as very low.