Indiana health officials advise public to ‘take extra precautions around swine’ as ‘swine flu’ cases rise to a dozen

In a follow-up to a story last Thursday, Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) officials continue to encourage Hoosiers to take steps to protect themselves at county and 4H fairs around the state this summer following detection of 12 cases of variant influenza A (H3N2v), also known as swine influenza.

This represents an increase of eight cases since last weeks report.

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

According to the ISDH, at least 10 individuals had exposure to swine at the Grant and Hancock county fairs and one individual had contact with swine at their home farm.

According to the State Board of Animal Health, 29 pigs from the Grant and Hancock county fairs have tested positive for influenza.

In addition, in an effort to manage the disease risk associated with swine, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) created Swine Exhibition Recommendations for Indiana in response to the illnesses that occurred during the 2012 season.  While this report does cover preventative steps for many diseases, the main focus is on influenza viruses.

Last year the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 309 infections with H3N2v, with Indiana accounting for 138 cases in 2012.

ISDH health officials recommend contacting your health care provider if you begin experiencing flu-like symptoms. And if you have visited a fair or been around animals, let your health care provider know. Influenza antiviral drugs can treat infection with this type of flu and quick treatment is especially important for people who are at high risk of serious flu complications, including the very young, the elderly, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease and pregnant women.

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