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Source: http://www.japantoday.com/category/...-flu-virus-entered-japan-during-2009-outbreak
At least 28 types of new-flu virus entered Japan during 2009 outbreak
Sunday 30th May, 05:54 AM JST
TOKYO ?
At least 28 types of the new-influenza virus on the genetic level entered Japan from the outbreak last spring to late September, researchers at the Infectious Disease Surveillance Center said.
The virus type that spread across Kobe and Osaka during the initial phase of the outbreak in the country in May last year is believed to have been eradicated due mainly to speedy implementation of measures including a widespread closure of schools, according to the results of analysis.
A team led by Teiichiro Shiino, the institute?s chief researcher, analyzed the genetic base sequence of a total of 238 specimens, including 75 new-flu samples collected between May 8 and Sept 20 last year in Japan and 163 samples collected worldwide.
The results showed the virus that spread worldwide can roughly be divided into four major types, including the type detected in Mexico and elsewhere in North America in the early phase, the type found in New York and other places, and two other types that formed from the crossing of the two earlier types.
Shiino?s team divided the virus further into a total of 28 types on marginal genetic differences, including 12 types that caused a mass outbreak and the remaining 16 types that were detected in individual cases.
The 28 types are believed to have entered Japan independently from overseas. There is also high probability that the types detected in mass outbreaks penetrated into Japan between late May and early June, according to the research team.
At least 28 types of new-flu virus entered Japan during 2009 outbreak
Sunday 30th May, 05:54 AM JST
TOKYO ?
At least 28 types of the new-influenza virus on the genetic level entered Japan from the outbreak last spring to late September, researchers at the Infectious Disease Surveillance Center said.
The virus type that spread across Kobe and Osaka during the initial phase of the outbreak in the country in May last year is believed to have been eradicated due mainly to speedy implementation of measures including a widespread closure of schools, according to the results of analysis.
A team led by Teiichiro Shiino, the institute?s chief researcher, analyzed the genetic base sequence of a total of 238 specimens, including 75 new-flu samples collected between May 8 and Sept 20 last year in Japan and 163 samples collected worldwide.
The results showed the virus that spread worldwide can roughly be divided into four major types, including the type detected in Mexico and elsewhere in North America in the early phase, the type found in New York and other places, and two other types that formed from the crossing of the two earlier types.
Shiino?s team divided the virus further into a total of 28 types on marginal genetic differences, including 12 types that caused a mass outbreak and the remaining 16 types that were detected in individual cases.
The 28 types are believed to have entered Japan independently from overseas. There is also high probability that the types detected in mass outbreaks penetrated into Japan between late May and early June, according to the research team.