Avian Flu Diary: Ohio: CDC Confirms Additional Cases Of H3N2v

Cases in Butler County (14) & Clark County (1)

# 6477

This afternoon the Ohio Health Department announced that five more people, who were exposed to pigs, have tested positive for the swine H3N2v virus.

Fourteen cases have now been identified in Butler County, and one in Clark County. Their ages range from 3 to 36. None of these cases have required hospitalization.

Of note, the single case from Clark county is associated with the Ohio State Fair – which closed on Sunday - while all of the others are associated with the Butler County Fair.

Last Friday we learned that 2 hogs from the Ohio State fair had tested positive for swine influenza, and had been sent home (see 2 pigs at state fair have swine flu – Columbus Dispatch). So far, the Clark county case is the only infection to be traced to that fair.

Here is the press release from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH)

ADDITIONAL H3N2v CASES IN OHIO CONFIRMED BY CDC

Ohioans Encouraged to Take Precautions, Prevent Spread of Influenza

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) today announced that additional cases of Influenza A variant H3N2 have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are currently 14 humans cases identified in Butler County, linked to swine exposure at the Butler County Fair; and one confirmed human case in Clark County, linked to swine exposure at the Ohio State Fair. Those with confirmed cases of H3N2v are between the ages of 3 and 36 years old, and to date, none of the confirmed cases have resulted in hospitalization.

On Monday, ODH hosted a statewide conference call with all local health departments to provide an update on the situation. Local health departments have been urged to work with agriculture and fair officials to post necessary signage and to speak directly with those working in livestock facilities to ensure necessary care is taken to avoid further transmission of the H3N2v strain.

ODH continues to partner with local health departments and health care providers across the state on any reports of human influenza-like illness. Individuals who have reported close contact with swine and are exhibiting flu-like systems will undergo testing. Samples will be sent to the ODH laboratory for preliminary testing and then to CDC for confirmation. ODH will provide notice of any additional H3N2v human case confirmations.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is actively working with industry partners to assist with public education efforts and to increase the number of hand sanitation stations available at county fairs. ODA will make contact this week with each upcoming fair veterinarian instructing them to post signage for both the exhibitors and for the visiting public, to closely monitor swine health and to take temperatures of any ill swine and notify ODA immediately of the results. ODA will continue to swab and test animals as needed throughout the fair season.

With county fairs running into the first week of October in Ohio, ODA and ODH remind residents and visitors that fair attendance is safe. Those attending the fair should remember:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water before and after exposure to animals.

Never eat, drink or put things in your mouth in animal areas, and don’t take food or drink into animal areas.

Young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems should be extra careful around animals.

If you have animals – including swine – watch them for signs of illness and call a veterinarian if you suspect they might be sick.

Avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill, when possible.

Avoid contact with swine if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

More information is available from ODH at: http://bit.ly/OhioH3N2vUpdates.

It is likely, as these epidemiological investigations continue, that we will hear of additional infections with this emerging variant virus.

So far, the CDC has not found evidence of sustained and efficient human-to-human transmission of this swine variant virus, and all of the recent cases have involved direct contact with pigs.

You’ll find additional information on the CDC’s H3N2v Webpage:

Information on Influenza A (H3N2) Variant Viruses (“H3N2v”)

Ohio’s State Health Department has also put up a webpage on this variant flu, with advice on how to stay healthy while visiting county fairs this fall.