#17,599
Two days ago, in Michigan Health Departments Investigating Another Suspected Swine Variant Case, we saw the initial report on a suspected Swine variant flu infection in a fair goer in Tuscola County, Michigan.
This is the second presumed case reported in Michigan (see 1st case here) in the past couple of weeks.
Late yesterday the Tuscola County Health Department confirmed the infection, and the subtype (H1N1v) in a press release, and urged anyone with flu-like symptoms to contact their doctor.
Confirmed Case of Swine Flu in Tuscola County
CARO, Mich., August 3, 2023 –
The Tuscola County Health Department (TCHD) has received notification that a Tuscola County resident with flu-like symptoms who attended the Tuscola County Fair which took place July 23-29 at the fairgrounds in Caro has tested positive for Influenza A H1N1v, commonly known as swine flu.
If you or someone you know developed any flu-like symptoms after visiting the Tuscola County Fair, please call your Primary Care Provider or the Tuscola County Health Department at 989-673-8114 immediately.
The Tuscola County Health Department has already alerted providers in their jurisdiction to watch for patients presenting with respiratory symptoms who report exposure to swine or who visited the fair.
Per the CDC website, swine flu can happen when children and adults attend agricultural fairs with infected pigs, when people raise pigs, or among workers in the swine industry. Infection can occur through the sneeze or cough of an infected pig that is then transmitted through the air into a human or by touching an animal with infected droplets, then the individual touches their mouth or nose before washing and sanitizing their hands.
People cannot contract the disease by eating properly cooked pork. For more information, visit https://CDC.gov/flu/swineflu/index.htm.
Symptoms of swine flu infection in people are like those of seasonal flu viruses. They can include fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Infections with influenza viruses (including variants like swine flu) can sometimes cause severe disease, even in healthy people.
Below are some steps you can take to protect yourself and prevent the spread of any illness:
• Avoid close contact with sick people Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer
• Refrain from eating or drinking in livestock barns or show rings
• Do not take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers, or similar items into pig areas
• Anyone who is at high risk of flu complications and planning to attend a fair should avoid pigs and swine barns
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school until your illness is over
• Avoid contact with pigs if you have flu-like symptoms. Wait seven days after your illness started or until you have been without fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, whichever is longer
• Get an annual influenza vaccination
The Tuscola County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs. Local public health information and updates are always available at www.tchd.us.
With few exceptions (i.e. the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus), current swine influenza viruses don't appear to spread efficiently in humans. That said, the CDC's IRAT (Influenza Risk Assessment Tool) lists 3 North American swine viruses as having at least some pandemic potential (2 added in 2019).
H1N2 variant [A/California/62/2018] Jul 2019 5.8 5.7 Moderate
H3N2 variant [A/Ohio/13/2017] Jul 2019 6.6 5.8 Moderate
H3N2 variant [A/Indiana/08/2011] Dec 2012 6.0 4.5 Moderate
The CDC currently ranks a Chinese Swine-variant EA H1N1 `G4' as having the highest pandemic potential of any flu virus on their list. But, as with avian flu, they all have barriers they must overcome.