Flu Activity at summer baseline. CDC FluView
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Influenza activity in the northern hemisphere this time of years is generally low, but as we saw last year, sporadic infections with swine variant influenza can occasionally turn up (see last Sunday’s A Variant Swine Flu Review).
Earlier this week we learned of four such cases in Indiana, all associated with attendance at the Grant County fair (see Indiana Reports 4 H3N2v Infections).
Today, the CDC’s FluView report carries the following details on these cases.
Novel Influenza A Viruses:
Four human infections with novel influenza A viruses were reported by Indiana. The four persons were infected with an influenza A (H3N2) variant (H3N2v) virus. One virus sample has been fully characterized by CDC and is 99% similar to H3N2v viruses identified in the 309 human infections that occurred in the United States in 2012. None of the four persons were hospitalized. At this time no ongoing human-to-human transmission has been identified and all four cases have reported close contact with swine in the week prior to illness onset. Public health and agriculture officials are investigating the extent of disease among humans and swine, and additional cases may be identified as the investigation continues.
Because of reporting schedules, state totals posted by CDC may not always be consistent with those reported by state health departments. If there is a discrepancy between state and CDC case counts, data from the state health department should be used as the most accurate number.
Early identification and investigation of human infections with novel influenza A viruses is critical in order to evaluate the extent of the outbreak and possible human-to-human transmission. Additional information on influenza in swine, variant influenza infection in humans, and strategies to interact safely with livestock can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/h3n2v-cases.htm.
The CDC recommends the following preventive steps for those attending fairs, or having contact with pigs:
Preventive Actions
CDC Recommendations For People At High Risk:
- If you are at high risk of serious flu complications and are going to a fair where pigs will be present, avoid pigs and swine barns at the fair. This includes children younger than 5 years, people 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain long-term health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions).
If you are not at high risk, take these precautions:
- Don’t take food or drink into pig areas; don’t eat, drink or put anything in your mouth in pig areas.
- Don’t take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers, or similar items into pig areas.
- Wash your hands often with soap and running water before and after exposure to pigs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid close contact with pigs if possible.
- Take protective measures if you must come in contact with pigs that are known or suspected to be sick. This includes wearing personal protective equipment like protective clothing, gloves and masks that cover your mouth and nose when contact is required.
- To further reduce the risk of infection, minimize contact with pigs and swine barns.
