Minnesota health officials report three human cases of swine flu H1N2v
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stepped up surveillance of the H3N2v variant influenza A virus nationwide, the state of Minnesota is reporting yet another swine flu strain that has infected humans.
Photo/Agricultural Research Service
According to a Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) news release last week, three people are believed to have developed a strain of influenza known as variant H1N2 (H1N2v) after exhibiting pigs or spending time in the swine barn at the Minnesota State Fair.
One of the three cases has been confirmed by CDC. Test results for the other two are pending.
Officials at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) say they are not currently aware of any additional human influenza cases caused by H1N2v, and they do not anticipate changing their current public health recommendations regarding human exposure to swine.
Current recommendations include asking individuals at high risk for severe influenza to avoid swine contact at exhibitions, fairs, live markets and other venues, including the swine barn at the State Fair. High risk individuals include children under five years of age, pregnant women, people 65 years of age or older and those with chronic medical conditions.
The H1N2v strain is different from the H3N2v strain that has infected 297 individuals, hospitalized 16 and killed one this summer.
H1N2 is one of three swine influenza viruses that are commonly found in pigs, the others are H1N1 and H3N2.
Listen to the CDC Telebriefing: Influenza A (H3N2) Variant Virus from August 3rd for more information about this virus
