A virus strain similar to a form of swine flu circulating among pigs has been detected in the UK for the first time.

U.K. health officials have reported a person with a flu strain typically found in pigs, marking the first time this variant has been detected in a human in the country.

The UK Health Security Agency is working to determine any risks the pathogen might pose to human health, it said in a statement Monday. 

Influenza A(H1N2)v was found in a person as part of routine national flu surveillance undertaken by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).

The person was checked by their GP after experiencing mild respiratory symptoms, but they have since made a full recovery.

An investigation is now underway to find the source of the infection, with people who have been in close contact with the patient being offered testing, and treatment if they end up testing positive.

The UKHSA said it is "increasing surveillance within existing programmes involving GP surgeries and hospitals in parts of North Yorkshire".

Its incident director, Meera Chand, said: "We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce any potential spread... Investigations are underway to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases."

But is this new variant of swine flu dangerous?

How long does swine flu last and is it serious?

Most people who get swine flu will notice that it’s mild and usually lasts a week.

Symptoms come on quickly – here’s what to look out for, according to the NHS.

What symptoms do you experience with swine flu?

Swine flu symptoms include fever, tiredness, a cough and a sore throat.