BEIJING: Scientists in China reported are able to identify a new virus believed to be a potential pandemic.
It follows the findings of two individuals who were recently infected with the virus.
According to the PNAS Journal, the virus called G4 EA H1N1 resembles the H1N1 swine flu that had hit the world in 2009.
So far, the existing influenza vaccine does not contain the G4 EA H1N1 virus and humans are found to be immune to it.
"It is a concern that the infection will spread and increase the risk of the outbreak.
"The epidemiological study found that both patients had neighbors who has pet pigs.
"At the same time, the G4 EA virus has been found to be transmitted from pigs to humans, causing severe infections and potentially fatal," the article wrote.
Scientists say 10.4 percent (35 of 338) workers at the pig farm have been tested and found to have antibodies to the virus.
"Such infections increase the likelihood of adapting the virus to humans, and raise concerns about the possibility of a pandemic," the scientists said.
Although it is not known what the danger is or whether it can spread like the SARS-CoV-2 virus causing COVID-19, researchers have warned that the virus needs attention.
