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ISDH: Indiana Announces 6 More H3N2v Cases

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As expected, more H3N2v cases have been confirmed as the epidemiological investigations into the flu outbreaks related to swine exposure in the Midwest continues.

 

At yesterday’s noon briefing by the CDC (see CDC Teleconference & HAN Advisory On H3N2v), 16 new cases had been confirmed over the past three weeks.

 

Late yesterday, Indiana’s ISDH announced the confirmation of 6 more cases, raising the total for that state to 11.

 

While It is likely that there are other (as yet, unidentified) cases in the region, the CDC has not seen any signs of sustained and efficient human-to-human transmission of this virus.

 

For now, most of the cases appear to be due to direct exposure to pigs.

 

This update from Indiana’s State Department of Health.

 

Health Officials Confirm 11 Cases of Flu Illness Statewide

8/3/2012

INDIANAPOLIS— Health officials have confirmed six additional cases of variant influenza A, bringing the total case number to 11 statewide. All cases have been linked to swine. The Indiana State Department of Health and local health departments continue to investigate potential new cases.

 

The additional cases were identified in Tipton, Jennings and LaPorte counties. Jackson County has also experienced four cases.

 

“We haven’t seen any transmission from person to person at this point,” said State Health Commissioner Gregory Larkin, M.D. “All of the confirmed cases have had direct contact with swine. As Hoosiers visit fairs around the state this summer, they should take extra care to practice thorough hand washing and avoid eating when around animals.”

 

Flu symptoms usually include fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.  Symptoms usually last about two to five days.

 

Variant Influenza A virus can be directly transmitted from swine to people and from people to swine. Human infections are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to live infected pigs, such as working with them in barns and livestock exhibits at fairs.  Influenza viruses are not transmitted by eating pork and pork products.

 

While influenza is not an uncommon diagnosis in pigs, the State Board of Animal Health encourages swine owners to contact a veterinarian if their animals show signs consistent with flu, including coughing, respiratory illness, off-feed and fever. Most county fairs have a private veterinary practitioner on call for on-site assistance.

 

Hoosiers are encouraged to wash hands with soap and water before and after petting or touching any animal.  Never eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth when visiting animal areas.  Older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems should be extra careful around animals.

 

The best way to prevent spread of influenza is to practice good hygiene.  Wash your hands frequently. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow.  If possible, avoid contact with those who are ill.  Stay home if you develop influenza symptoms and contact your health care provider.

 

Additional information regarding influenza can be found at the Indiana State Department of Health website at www.in.gov/isdh/25462.htm.

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While many in the mainstream press are apparently just discovering this `new swine H3N2v virus’, this flu strain  has been on the infectious disease radar screen for at least a year.

 

For a review of the dozen or so human cases leading up to the recent outbreaks in Ohio and Indiana (and one case in Hawaii), you may wish to revisit my blog from earlier this week called A Variant Flu Review.

Related Post:

Swine flu
H3N2v

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