Indiana and Ohio report new H3N2v human ‘swine flu’ cases, brings total to 14 for 2013

In a follow up to a July 4 report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says two new human infections with influenza A (H3N2) variant (H3N2v) virus were reported to CDC during week 29 –one in Indiana and one in Ohio.

This transmission electron micrograph (TEM) depicts some of the ultrastructural details displayed by H3N2 influenza virions
Image/CDC

This brings the total cases this year to 14, with Indiana reporting 13 cases.

The CDC reports no hospitalizations or deaths have occurred. In addition, no ongoing human-to-human transmission has been identified and all 14 cases have reported close contact with swine in the week prior to illness onset.

CDC officials add, “additional cases may be identified as the investigation continues.”

The Ohio Department of Health reminded it’s citizens to practice good hygiene when visiting livestock exhibits this summer, in a recent new release.

“Individuals should always wash hands with soap and water before and after petting or touching any animal. Never eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth in animal areas. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to leave strollers outside the animal exhibits and carry small children. Older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems should consider avoiding animal areas,” health officials said.

Type A influenza viruses, including H3N2 and the variants, commonly infect swine, causing outbreaks among swine herds. Most of the type A influenza viruses that infect swine are genetically very different from human (seasonal) influenza viruses. While these variant influenza viruses seldom infect humans, such infections can and do occur. In fact, influenza viruses can spread both from swine to humans and from humans to swine.

Out of the 2012 total of 309 H3N2v cases, Indiana and Ohio accounted for the bulk of the cases with 138 (45%) and 107 (35%) cases, respectively.

Watch the Ohio Department of Health video from 2012 on “swine flu”:

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