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Iowa DPH Reports 3 Novel trH3N2 Cases

 

Note: This story is updated at  More Details On The trH3N2 Story

 

# 5973

 

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Reassortant H3N2 virus detected in Pennsylvania,Indiana & Maine – Source CDC

The Iowa Department of Public Health announced today in a brief press release that they have detected three cases of a novel trH3N2 SOIV (Swine Origin Influenza Virus) described as being similar to the ones reported recently in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Maine.

 

For more on those earlier cases see:

 

CDC Update On trH3N2 Swine Infections
Maine Confirms A 2nd trH3N2 Case
CDC Update On trH3N2 Cases
A 5th trH3N2 SOIV Report
CDC Update On Recent Novel Swine Flu Cases
MMWR: Swine-Origin Influenza A (H3N2) Virus Infection in Two Children

 

Unlike the majority of cases reported over the past few months, these three cases report no animal exposure, and so limited Human-to-Human spread is suspected.

 

My thanks to Carol@SC on the Flu Wiki for posting a news item that led me on a search to find this news release from the Iowa DPH.

 

 

Flu Activity in Iowa Includes Novel Strain

Posted: Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:09 CST

Important to cover your cough and stay home when sick

Routine surveillance by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the State Hygienic Lab and other partners across the state indicate that a novel strain of the influenza virus has been detected in three children in Webster and Hamilton Counties.

This virus, an influenza A/H3N2 recombinant virus, has also been detected in other states in recent months. Symptoms are similar to the regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough, tiredness, body aches and loss of appetite.This influenza A/H3N2 virus contains components of human, avian, H1N1, and swine influenza.

All spread has been human to human, and spread appears to be limited; no further cases have been identified in the last week. None of the cases have had any animal exposure. Because the virus is unique, IDPH has increased surveillance for this strain at clinics and emergency rooms.

 

“It appears the seasonal influenza vaccine currently available may offer some protection against this novel strain,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “However, we continue to stress the importance of personal protective actions. Remember the three Cs: Clean you hands frequently; Cover your coughs and sneezes; and Contain germs by staying home when ill.”

 

No serious illness or death has been reported in connection with this novel influenza A/H3N2 virus, and all cases have recovered. For more information on the virus, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/Cade/Influenza.aspx?pg=FluHome .

 

While unusual, human infections by novel swine viruses are not unheard of.  Over the past 5 years more than 2 dozen (trH1N1 & trH3N2) cases have been detected.  Most are a result of direct exposure to swine, although limited human-to-human transmission appears to have occurred.

 

Since these novel H3N2 infections continue to appear in low levels across the upper Midwest,this is obviously a story we will continue to follow.

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