Kent County MI Swine Flu (in pigs) at Local Fair - H1N2v Confirmed in Exhibitor - CDC FluView Wk 32: 2 H1N2v Cases

[Michael Coston]

Kent County MI Health Department Bulletin on Swine Flu (in pigs) at Local Fair


Credit Wikipedia


#19,289


We've seen an unusually quiet year of reporting on Swine Variant Influenza, with only 2 H1N2v (human) cases reported since October 1st of 2025; a far cry from the average of 36 human infections per year since tracking began in 2011 (n=581).


The CDC describes swine influenza viruses as:

• Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza in pigs.
• Influenza viruses that commonly circulate in swine are called “swine influenza viruses” or “swine flu viruses.”
• Like human influenza viruses, there are different subtypes and strains of swine influenza viruses.
• The main swine influenza viruses circulating in U.S. pigs in recent years have been, swine triple reassortant (tr) H1N1 influenza virus, trH3N2 virus, and trH1N2 virus.

When a swine influenza virus spills over into a human, it is called a swine-variant virus. The CDC's IRAT (Influenza Risk Assessment Tool) lists 3 North American swine viruses as having at least some pandemic potential (2 added in 2019).

H1N2 variant [A/California/62/2018] Jul 2019 5.8 5.7 Moderate
H3N2 variant [A/Ohio/13/2017] Jul 2019 6.6 5.8 Moderate​

H3N2 variant [A/Indiana/08/2011] Dec 2012 6.0 4.5 Moderate​

While no additional cases have been confirmed, this week the Kent County Health Department announced the closure of their county fair's swine barn after the sudden death of a pig, and `several other pigs developed signs of illness'.

KCHD is reportedly investigating reports of `influenza-like' illness among individuals who had contact with pigs at the fair, but no confirmed human infections have been reported at this time.​

They are urging the public:

“Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms after having contact with pigs at the fair should contact the Kent County Health Department and let their health care provider know about their exposure.”​

So far, we've no indication of the subtype involved or the severity of the human `influenza-like' illnesses they are investigating. Typically, swine variant infections are mild or moderate in humans, with only a couple of deaths reported since 2011.

The bulletin advises that the Kent County Fair has ended, but attendees who had contact with pigs at the fair should monitor for flu-like symptoms for 10 days. They then go on to list the precautions other fair-goers in Michigan should take when attending agricultural events.​

First, the Health Department announcement, after which I'll have a bit more.

Health Officials Raise Awareness Following Swine Flu Detection in Pigs at the Kent County Youth Fair

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (August 10, 2026) — The Kent County Health Department (KCHD), in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), is advising people who may have had contact with pigs at the Kent County Youth Fair to monitor for influenza-like symptoms due to a detection of swine influenza.

On Friday, August 7, a pig at the Kent County Youth Fair died suddenly, and several other pigs developed signs of illness. The sick pigs were isolated, and the swine barn was immediately closed to the public. However, as a precaution, the KCHD is investigating reports of influenza-like illness among individuals who had contact with pigs at the fair.

“While we do not have confirmation of human infection at this time, we are taking this situation seriously and want people who may have been exposed to know what symptoms to watch for and what to do next,” said Kent County Health Department Health Officer Dr. Adam London.​

“Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms after having contact with pigs at the fair should contact the Kent County Health Department and let their health care provider know about their exposure.”

Signs and Symptoms in Humans​

Symptoms of swine flu can be similar to the seasonal flu and may include:

• Fever
• Lethargy (tiredness)
• Lack of appetite
• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Eye irritation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Anyone who had contact with pigs at the fair should monitor for these symptoms for 10 days. Those who develop symptoms should contact their healthcare provider or their local health department for testing. The KCHD Communicable Disease Unit can be reached at 616-632-7228.

Protecting Animal and Human Health at the Fair​

While the Kent County Youth Fair has ended, people who plan to attend other agricultural fairs or have contact with animals should take the following precautions to reduce the risk of influenza and other diseases that can spread between animals and people:

• Avoid interacting, touching, or petting animals if you have an increased risk for severe influenza complications.
• Don't eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth in areas with animals.
• Don't take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers, or similar items into areas with animals.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after exposure to pigs or other animals, using hand-sanitizer if water and soap are not available.
• Change and wash clothing and clean footwear or equipment after visiting animal areas, particularly if you have livestock at home.
• Avoid close contact with animals that appear sick, including animals showing loss of appetite, fever, tiredness, eye redness, discomfort, coughing, or a runny nose.
• If you must come in contact with animals that may be ill, then wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes protective clothing, gloves, and a well-fitting mask that covers your mouth and nose and immediately contact the fair veterinarian. Parents and caregivers should review considerations for specific groups of people when selecting a respirator or mask for children.
• Stay home and away from others, including animals, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms

Pork Remains Safe to Eat​

Swine flu in pigs is not a food safety concern, and people cannot contract influenza by eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products. Consumers should continue to follow standard food-safety practices when handling and preparing pork.

For more information about preventing swine flu, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.​

This isn't just an American problem, as there is much diversity among swine flu viruses around the globe, with China's EA H1N1 `G4' virus often cited as the biggest pandemic threat. We've also followed repeated spillovers in Brazil, and last year the Eurasian 1C Swine Influenza A Virus was labeled a `high pandemic risk'.

The reality is, surveillance and testing for swine influenza A viruses is notoriously sub-optimal, and many strains circulate under the radar.​

For more on the risks of exposure to influenza infected pigs, you may wish to revisit:

Preprint: Occupationally Exposed & General Population Antibody Profiles to Influenza A Viruses Circulating in Swine as an Indication of Zoonotic Risk


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https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2026/08/kent-county-mi-health-department.html​

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[Michael Coston]

Michigan DOH Confirms H1N2v (swine flu) in Fair Exhibitor


Credit Wikipedia


#19,293

Three days ago, in Kent County MI Health Department Bulletin on Swine Flu (in pigs) at Local Fair, we saw a local health department advisory on a pig death at the Kent County, MI county fair, and reports of `influenza-like' illness among individuals who had contact those pigs.

Late yesterday the Michigan Dept of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) confirmed at least on case of human H1N2v infection in a pig exhibitor.​

While details on the infected individual are scant (no age, condition, treatment, etc. provided) - and there is no word on any additional suspected cases - local and state public health authorities are urging anyone who attended the Kent County fair to be alert to to be alert to symptoms and take appropriate precautions.

The CDC's Assessment of the Risk from these viruses reads:

Sporadic infections and even localized outbreaks among people with variant influenza viruses may occur. All influenza viruses have the capacity to change and it’s possible that variant viruses may change such that they infect people easily and spread easily from person-to-person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to monitor closely for variant influenza virus infections and will report cases of H3N2v and other variant influenza viruses weekly in FluView and on the case count tables on this website.​

The CDC's IRAT (Influenza Risk Assessment Tool) currently lists 3 North American swine viruses as having at least some pandemic potential (2 added in 2019).

H1N2 variant [A/California/62/2018] Jul 2019 5.8 5.7 Moderate
H3N2 variant [A/Ohio/13/2017] Jul 2019 6.6 5.8 Moderate​

H3N2 variant [A/Indiana/08/2011] Dec 2012 6.0 4.5 Moderate​

First the MDHHS statement, after which I'll have a bit more.

MDHHS confirms detection of influenza A H1N2 variant (swine flu) in Michigan resident

August 14, 2026

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Kent County Health Department (KCHD) and Ionia County Health Department have identified a human case of influenza A H1N2 variant (swine flu) in an Ionia County resident who was a swine exhibitor at the Kent County Youth Fair. The fair took place Aug. 3-8 at the Grand Agricultural Center of West Michigan in Lowell.

The individual tested presumptive positive at the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories for swine flu and was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday.

MDHHS and KCHD have been reaching out to swine exhibitors and their families who visited the swine barns at the Kent County Youth Fair to identify any additional illnesses in those who may have been exposed to influenza from infected pigs. KCHD has alerted providers in the area to watch for patients presenting with respiratory symptoms who report exposure to swine or visited the fair.

“While the risk to the general public remains low, we want visitors who attended the Kent County Youth Fair to be alert to symptoms and take appropriate precautions,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Anyone who develops flu‑like symptoms after possible exposure should contact their health care provider and let them know about their recent contact with pigs at the fair. Individuals who are sick should stay home until they have fully recovered.”

“It’s not unusual for flu viruses to occur in pigs, and while rare, those flu viruses can be transmitted to people by sick pigs,” said Dr. Nora Wineland, State Veterinarian, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). “MDARD encourages exhibitors to follow disease prevention practices and work with their veterinarian if they suspect illness in an animal. It is still safe to enjoy your local fair, and visitors are encouraged to follow simple hygiene practices to help keep both people and animals healthy.”

Pigs may be infected with swine influenza viruses that are different from human flu viruses. Swine flu viruses spread among pigs and – while rare – they can spread from pigs to people too. Spread of swine flu viruses from a pig to a person is thought to happen in the same way that human flu viruses spread; mainly through droplets when infected pigs cough and sneeze.

MDHHS reiterates precautions the public can take to avoid potential exposure at farms, fairs and exhibits:​

• Do not eat or drink in livestock barns or show rings.
• Do not take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into pig areas.
• Anyone who is at high risk of serious flu complications should avoid contact with pigs and swine barns when attending a fair.
• Get an annual influenza vaccination.

Below are some steps you can take to protect yourself and prevent the spread of any illness:​

• Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick, stay home from work or school until your illness is over.
• Avoid contact with pigs if you have flu-like symptoms. Wait seven days after your illness started or until you have been without fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, whichever is longer.

Symptoms of variant influenza infection in people are similar to those of seasonal flu viruses and may include:​

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Runny nose.
• Body aches.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.

Variant influenza infections, including influenza A H1N2 can sometimes cause severe disease, even in healthy people.

Severe illness can include complications, such as pneumonia, which may require hospitalization, and in some cases can result in death.

People who are at high risk of developing complications if they get variant influenza infection include:​

• Children younger than five years of age.
• People 65 years of age and older.
• Pregnant people.
• People with certain long-term health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions.

The time period it takes from exposure to illness for variant influenza is similar to that of seasonal influenza, which can be up to 10 days, but is most commonly three days. Currently, there is no human vaccine for swine flu and the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against swine flu; however, prescription antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir and zanamivir, are effective in treating swine flu in humans. Early treatment works best and may be especially important for people with a high-risk condition.

For more information, visit CDC.gov/Swine-Flu.​

Most (but not all) swine variant infections are mild or moderate, self-limiting, and are clinically indistinguishable from regular seasonal influenza.


Since most people never see a doctor or get tested for uncomplicated `flu-like symptoms' (see pyramid graphic above), it is assumed that many swine variant infections go unreported.

During a small outbreak of H3N2v (n=13) 15 years ago, researchers estimated that fewer than 1 in every 200 cases was identified (see CID Journal: Estimates Of Human Infection From H3N2v (Jul 2011-Apr 2012).

Results. We estimate that the median multiplier for children was 200 (90% range, 115–369) and for adults was 255 (90% range, 152–479) and that 2055 (90% range, 1187–3800) illnesses from H3N2v virus infections may have occurred from August 2011 to April 2012, suggesting that the new virus was more widespread than previously​

While the pandemic risk from swine variant viruses is currently thought to be low, these viruses continue to reinvent themselves as they circulate in pigs, and so we pay very close attention whenever they jump species to humans.


https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2026/08/michigan-doh-confirms-h1n2v-swine-flu.html​

 

[Michael Coston]

CDC FluView Week 32: Two H1N2v Human Infections Reported in Michigan

Credit Wikipedia
#19,304

Nine days ago, in Kent County MI Health Department Bulletin on Swine Flu (in pigs) at Local Fair, we learned of the death (and several illnesses) of pigs at a local county fair due to swine flu, and a health alert issued for possible human cases.

Two days later, on Aug. 15th, we learned of one confirmed human infection with H1N2v from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (see Michigan DOH Confirms H1N2v (swine flu) in Fair Exhibitor).​

While there were rumors of more than one `flu-like illness' among attendees to the county fair, until now we've heard of no other cases. Today, the CDC announced a total of two confirmed H1N1v swine flu infections linked to this county fair.

Novel Influenza A Virus Infections​

Two human infections with influenza A(H1N2) variant (A(H1N2)v) virus were reported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The patients, who are <18 years of age, initially developed illness and sought healthcare during the week ending August 15, 2026 (Week 32). The patients were not hospitalized, one patient received influenza antiviral treatment, and both are recovering from their illnesses.​

Investigation by local and state public health officials identified that both patients, who have not had contact with one another, had attended the same agricultural fair where ill swine were present prior to their illness onset. No additional cases of human infection with A(H1N2)v virus associated with these cases or the fair have been identified.

These are the third and fourth human infections with a variant influenza virus reported in the 2025-2026 season; all four have been influenza A(H1N2)v viruses.

When an influenza virus that normally circulates in swine (but not people) is detected in a person, it is called a “variant” influenza virus. Most human infections with variant influenza viruses occur following exposure to swine, but human-to-human transmission can occur. It is important to note that in most cases, variant influenza viruses have not shown the ability to spread easily and sustainably from person to person.

No additional notification to WHO of this case is required per International Health Regulations (IHR). More information regarding IHR can be found at http://www.who.int/topics/international_health_regulations/en/.​

Although it is possible there were other infections linked to this fair, most people who experience minor or even moderate flu-like symptoms never see a doctor, or are tested, for novel flu viruses.





The CDC regularly advises people who are at higher risk of serious flu complications (including children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and those with certain chronic medical conditions), to avoid pigs and the swine barn altogether.




Although the pandemic risk from swine variant viruses is currently regarded as low, the H1N1 pandemic of 2009 demonstrated just how quickly the status quo can change.


https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2026/08/cdc-fluview-week-32-two-h1n2v-human.html
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