# 6464
My thanks to Crof over at Crofsblog for picking up the press report US: H3N2v case confirmed on Maui overnight, as it sent me in search of an official press release from the state’s Department of Health.
Of note, the patient is identified as `an adult’ with recent contact with pigs. Most of the known cases until now have involved children.
Studies have suggested that children under the age of 10 may be the most susceptible to the H3N2v virus (see MMWR: Antibodies Cross-Reactive to Influenza A (H3N2) Variant Virus), although there are other studies to suggest immunity may wane in adults over time (see Eurosurveillance: Older People May Be Susceptible To The H3N2v Virus).
First some excerpts from the announcement, then I’ll return with a bit more.
For Immediate Release: July 31, 2012 12-040
STATE CONFIRMS VARIANT FLU CASE ON MAUI
HONOLULU – Local and federal officials are investigating the cause of a confirmed variant flu case on Maui. The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is working with federal and state partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture (HDOA) to find the source of how a
Maui resident adult contracted the virus, known as H3N2v virus.
The resident sought medical attention after experiencing symptoms consistent with the regular flu, including fever, cough, and body aches. Because the patient's primary care doctor is a participant in DOH’s influenza-like illness sentinel network (ILINet), a respiratory specimen was sent to the State Laboratories Division for testing. Lab results for H3N2v virus were confirmed by CDC late
last week. The resident has since fully recovered without need for hospitalization.
<SNIP>
The H3N2v virus identified in this case shares genetic similarities to variant flu viruses which have
been identified in several other states in the past year. The H3N2v virus has rarely infected
humans and has caused only limited human-to-human infection. The small number of previous
infections has occurred mostly among children and those who work closely with pigs (e.g., livestock farmers).
In this case, preliminary DOH findings suggest the latter exposure, although the investigation is
ongoing in collaboration with HDOA.
“The virus seems to be behaving as previously observed in other cases, with illness similar to
seasonal flu and with no sustained community transmission,” noted State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah
Park. “Still, anyone who develops flu-like illness within a week after close contact with domestic
pigs should see their healthcare provider.”
Although the number of confirmed cases over the past 12 months remains small (now totaling 18 across 7 states), the CDC is obviously concerned and has ordered enhanced surveillance, testing, and reporting around the country as to better gauge the prevalence of this virus.
In December and again in January the CDC released updated guidance on this novel influenza, and you can access those documents at the following links.
UPDATED: Guidance Documents Related to Preventing the Spread of Influenza A Viruses Friday, January 06, 2012 3:35:00 PM
UPDATED: Key Facts about Human Infections with Variant Viruses (Swine Origin Influenza Viruses in Humans) Friday, January 06, 2012 3:34:00 PM
UPDATED: Information on H3N2 Variant Influenza A Viruses Friday, January 06, 2012 3:34:00 PM
UPDATED: Variant (Swine Origin) Influenza Viruses in Humans Friday, January 06, 2012 3:33:00 PM
UPDATED: Information on Swine Influenza/Variant Influenza Viruses Friday, January 06, 2012 3:32:00 PM
While it is likely that there are more H3N2v infections out there going undetected, the good news is that so far we haven’t seen signs of sustained and efficient transmission - and this flu does not appear to be any more virulent than regular flu.
But the reality is, its likely that we’ll continue to see sporadic infections and even localized outbreaks among people with this variant flu virus.
Whether H3N2v has `legs’, and will pose a genuine public health threat . . . well, that is something we will simply have to wait to see.
In the meantime, it is important to remember to always practice good `flu hygiene’; covering coughs and sneezes, washing your hands frequently, and staying home if you are sick.
And if you work with, or expect to come in contact with livestock, to heed the advice offered last week by the CDC (see H3N2v: CDC Offers Advice To Fair Goers).
