Illinois confirms first case of H3N2v ‘swine flu’, brings total to 15 cases in three states
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) laboratory has confirmed one case of H3N2v influenza virus in a Boone County child who had contact with swine while helping an exhibitor at the DuPage County Fair late last month.
The child suffered mild symptoms from the virus.
“The H3N2v virus is relatively new, but the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Illinois Department of Agriculture and our federal partners are monitoring this situation closely,” said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “We want you to enjoy your time at the state or county fair, so one key thing to do to stay healthy is to wash your hands frequently, especially if you are around swine.”
Last year, Illinois reported four cases, while there were 309 cases confirmed nationwide in 2012.
This is the 15th cases of the “swine flu” with Indiana reporting 13 cases and Ohio reporting one.
All infections in 2013 have occurred in people following contact with swine, and cases of the virus being transmitted from person to person are rare.
In 2011, a specific H3N2 virus was detected with genes from avian, swine and human viruses and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus M gene.
There were 12 human infections in the United States with this virus, termed H3N2v, in 2011; most were associated with exposure to pigs. In 2012, 309 cases of H3N2v infection across 12 states were detected.
The IDPH offers the following recommendations to avoid influenza:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water before and after exposure to animals.
- Do not take food or drinks into animal areas; do not eat, drink or put anything in your mouth while visiting animal areas.
- Do not take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into animal areas.
- Avoid close contact with animals, especially swine.
- Avoid contact with animals if you have influenza-like symptoms.
- Use caution when deciding to visit an animal area if you have an underlying health condition or if persons are younger than 5 years or older than 65 years or pregnant.
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