There is speculation that the novel H1N1 flu virus was created in a laboratory and its appearance in the population is due to an accidental release. Is that true?

All available evidence to date indicates that this is a naturally occurring strain.

We are aware of a hypothesis claiming that the novel influenza A H1N1 virus was produced in a laboratory. Govt's extensive analysis of the genetic sequences of the 2009 H1N1 virus and its ancestors does not support this hypothesis.