H1N1v, USA: Two additional swine flu cases confirmed in Arkansas (US CDC/FluView, September 20 2013, edited)

[Giuseppe]

[Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FluView, full page: (LINK). Extract.]


H1N1v, USA: Two additional swine flu cases confirmed in Arkansas

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Novel Influenza A Viruses:


Two additional novel influenza A virus infections have been reported to CDC during week 37.

Two infections with influenza A (H1N1) variant (H1N1v) viruses were reported by Arkansas, bringing the total number of variant influenza virus infections to 20.

A total of 18 H3N2v cases have been reported this summer (Illinois [1], Indiana [14], Michigan [2], and Ohio [1]).

So far during 2013, one person has been hospitalized as a result of variant influenza illness; no deaths have occurred. At this time no ongoing human-to-human transmission has been identified and all 20 cases have reported close contact with swine in the week prior to illness onset.

Because of reporting schedules, state totals posted by CDC may not always be consistent with those reported by state health departments. If there is a discrepancy between state and CDC case counts, data from the state health department should be used as the most accurate number.

Early identification and investigation of human infections with novel influenza A viruses is critical in order to evaluate the extent of the outbreak and possible human-to-human transmission. Additional information on influenza in swine, variant influenza infection in humans, and strategies to interact safely with livestock can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/h3n2v-cases.htm.

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[Biological]

Re: H1N1v, USA: Two additional swine flu cases confirmed in Arkansas (US CDC/FluView, September 20 2013, edited)

Friday, Sep 13, 2013
Swine Flu Variant in Arkansas
Little Rock -- Two people in Arkansas have been infected with a strain of influenza (flu) known as H1N1(v) after contact with swine (pigs). These cases have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“A few times a year an animal variant of the influenza virus is identified in humans” said Dr. Dirk Haselow, State Epidemiologist. “Viruses of this type typically cause only mild illness in those affected and, in contrast to seasonal flu, are not easily transmitted from person to person” added Haselow. ADH has carefully monitored the patient contacts for several days without evidence of any human to human spread. Both patients identified to date have recovered fully.

When an influenza virus that normally circulates in swine is detected in a person, it is called a variant influenza virus and is labeled with a ‘v’. Influenza viruses such as H1N1(v) and other related variants are not unusual in swine and can be directly transmitted from swine to people and from people to swine. When humans are in close proximity to live swine, such as in barns and livestock exhibits at fairs, movement of these viruses can occur back and forth between humans and animals.

“We are not currently aware of any additional human influenza cases caused by H1N1(v) and do not anticipate making any new public health recommendations regarding human exposure to swine. However, we will continue to assess the situation and conduct aggressive surveillance for additional influenza cases” Haselow emphasized.

Influenza has not been shown to be transmitted by eating properly handled and prepared pork or other products derived from pigs.

"ADH has been carefully following all suspected cases of influenza. We have also worked closely with our veterinary colleagues and the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission to remain informed about potential infections in swine. It is because of this careful surveillance that these cases have come to our attention,” said Haselow.

Case investigations have indicated that the illnesses resulting from H1N1(v) infection have been similar to seasonal influenza. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, decreased energy, coughing, runny nose, and sore throat. Contact your health care provider if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and inform the doctor if you have had contact with swine.

To prevent the spread of other infections you can get from animals, the following precautions are recommended:

• Wash your hands often with soap and running water. Particularly after contact with animals. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Never eat, drink or put things in your mouth in areas where animals are present, and don’t take food or drink into areas where animals are housed.

• Never take toys, pacifiers, spill-proof cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into areas with animals.

• Avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill.

• Children younger than 5 years, people 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune and nervous systems) are at higher risk for serious complications of infections. These people should consider avoiding exposure to pigs and other animals at petting zoos and barns during fair season.


Contact: Office of Health Communications and Marketing
Ed Barham, 501-280-4147
Arkansas Department of Health
http://www.arkansas.gov/health/newsroom/index.php?do:newsDetail=1&news_id=948

At the time and now currently CDC havn't change there H1N1v case count!
CDC - Seasonal Influenza (Flu) - Reported Infections with Variant Influenza Viruses in the United States since 2005
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/variant-cases-us.htm