Credit NASPHV
# 7453
Between MERS-CoV, H7N9, H5N1, and the emerging swine (variant) H3N2v virus, the attentions of public health officials around the globe are focused on multiple emerging viral threats this year.
While generally viewed as the least `virulent’ of the four – H3N2v infected 309 people (that we know of) in 2012, and displayed signs of limited human-to-human transmission.
This year, we have reports of at least 12 infections in Indiana (see Indiana Reports 8 More H3N2v Cases). Studies suggest (see CID Journal: Estimates Of Human Infection From H3N2v (Jul 2011-Apr 2012)) that a large number of cases may be going unidentified.
On June 28th, the CDC provided the following assessment on this virus’ ability to spread in humans.
CDC will continue to watch this virus closely to make sure there are no changes in the epidemiology of related human infections. That means watching for any changes in the severity of illness caused by infection with this virus and any signs that the virus is becoming more adept at spreading from person-to-person.
Like all influenza viruses, it’s possible that mutations could occur that would allow this virus to become more severe or to spread more easily between people.
The risk of this virus triggering a full-blown pandemic is considered relatively low, however, because serology studies have suggested that significant numbers of adults have some existing immunity against this virus.
Children younger than about 10 years old, however, have little to no immunity against H3N2v virus.
Given this, a more likely scenario if H3N2v were to become more transmissible among people would be localized outbreaks in pockets of the population that do not have immunity against this virus, for example, in day care or school settings.
For now, the emphasis is on preventing the spread of infection from swine to humans, to deprive the virus opportunities to better adapt to people. Accordingly, the CDC has produce a good number of resources (see links below), such as the following poster:
A list of resources, and posters (suitable for printing) are available on the following CDC webpage:
Fact Sheet: Protect Yourself Against H3N2v
Resources
Print Materials
Information and materials, including educational posters [389 KB, 1 page]
that can be displayed around animal exhibits, are available in Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2011
Flyer: Key Facts For People Exhibiting Pigs at Fairs [640 KB, 2 pages]
Flyer: Take Action to Prevent the Spread of Flu Between People and Pigs at Fairs [438 KB, 2 pages]
Flyer: Issues for Fair Organizers to Consider When Planning Fairs [1.4 MB, 2 pages]
Materials from North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Reduce Your Risk (English) [22 KB, 1 page]
Materials from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Signs for Strollers at Fairs [85 KB, 2 pages]
Videos
Dr. Lyn Finelli discusses CDC’s recommendations for reducing the risk of infection with H3N2v flu viruses for fairgoers and swine exhibitors.
