HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A variant flu strain has been identified in Hawaii for the first time. The H3N2v virus, which is normally found in pigs, infected a person on Maui earlier this month, according to authorities. It's not the same strain as the H1N1 virus involved in the swine flu pandemic a few years ago.
The Maui resident went to the doctor after experiencing symptoms consistent with the regular flu, including fever, cough and body aches. Since the patient's physician happened to be part of the state's network that monitors flu-like illnesses, a sample was sent to the state lab for testing. The patient, who was exposed to pigs, has since recovered without any hospitalization.
"Even though there is no immediate public health threat, in the flu world, this is something of interest because you want to follow any viruses that are not normal. Not part of the normal circulating group," explained state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park.
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The Maui resident went to the doctor after experiencing symptoms consistent with the regular flu, including fever, cough and body aches. Since the patient's physician happened to be part of the state's network that monitors flu-like illnesses, a sample was sent to the state lab for testing. The patient, who was exposed to pigs, has since recovered without any hospitalization.
"Even though there is no immediate public health threat, in the flu world, this is something of interest because you want to follow any viruses that are not normal. Not part of the normal circulating group," explained state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park.
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