Resistant strain of H1N1 found in Wales

OSLO, Norway, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- A drug-resistant mutation of the H1N1 influenza virus has been found in hospital patients in Wales, the British National Health Service says.

Doctors say the strain is resistant to Tamiflu, the most common antiviral used against flu, The Times of London reported. The resistance is believed to have developed in one patient in the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and spread to others.

All five had other medical conditions making them more vulnerable to flu. Two have been discharged, and one is in intensive care, while the other two remain in the hospital.

"The Tamiflu-resistant virus has emerged in a group of particularly vulnerable individuals," a Department of Health spokesman said Friday. "These patients are known to be at increased risk of developing resistance to the drug. Our strategy to offer antivirals to all patients with swine flu is the right one -- to help prevent complications and reduce the severity of the illness."

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health reported another H1N1 mutation Friday, found in three patients, including the first two to die from H1N1 in Norway.

The World Health Organization in Geneva said the mutation has been found in a few previous cases as long ago as April and in widely scattered countries, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The H1N1 vaccine and antiviral drugs used against H1N1 are effective with the mutation, WHO said.