The H3N2 flu virus is spreading rapidly and has already been detected in 30 countries. This was reported during a press briefing by Wenqing Zhang, head of the Global Respiratory Threats Division in the Department for Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness at the World Health Organization (WHO).

They are monitoring the emergence and rapid spread of a new A(H3N2) virus subclade, named J.2.4.1 or “K.” The “K subclade” virus was first detected in August in Australia and New Zealand, and since then it has been detected in more than 30 countries worldwide, except for South America, Wenqing added.

According to her, current epidemiological data do not indicate an increase in disease severity, although these genetic changes show significant virus evolution.

Wenqing emphasized that flu viruses mutate rapidly, so it is necessary to regularly update the composition of flu vaccines.

According to WHO, global influenza activity this season is so far within expected levels; however, since October, some countries have observed an early start to the flu season, which is rapidly reaching epidemic levels.