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Novel Influenza-A Cases Linked to County Fair; Pennsylvanians Should Continue Flu Prevention Practices and Report Flu-like Illness (Pa. Dept. of Healt

Giuseppe

Giuseppe

Emeritus
[Source: State of Pennsylvania Department of Health, full PDF document: (LINK). Edited.]


News for Immediate Release - Sept. 5, 2011


Novel Influenza-A Cases Linked to County Fair; Pennsylvanians Should Continue Flu Prevention Practices and Report Flu-like Illness




Harrisburg ? The Pennsylvania departments of Health and Agriculture today announced three cases of a novel influenza A virus have been identified, and are now linked to an agricultural fair in southwestern Pennsylvania.

The first individual to become ill, announced on Friday, Sept. 2, has fully recovered from the illness.

Two other individuals, confirmed ill over the weekend, are recovering. All three are children who reported attending the Washington County Agricultural Fair the week of Aug. 13-20, 2011.

The cases in Pennsylvania are similar to previous, rare human infections with swine-origin H3N2 viruses, but are unique in that they contain a genetic component of the H1N1 virus.

A continuing investigation, which is being jointly undertaken by the departments of Health and Agriculture, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has not yet uncovered how the illness was transmitted to the three individuals. However, no additional human infections with this virus have been identified to date.

Anyone who attended the Washington County Fair and has flu-like symptoms should contact their local health care provider or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

Symptoms would be similar to that of seasonal influenza, and would include fever, lethargy (extreme tiredness), lack of appetite and coughing. Other influenza symptoms may include a runny nose, sore throat, eye irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The Department of Health and the CDC are conducting increased surveillance and tracking in southwestern Pennsylvania, as well as setting up informational booths about influenza at agricultural fairs, while Department of Agriculture is continuing with monitoring the health of animals at all exhibitions.

The Department of Health continues to urge the public to take everyday precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, while the Department of Agriculture reminds residents to remember to wash your hands after coming into contact with animals at fairs and in other public venues.

?We?re not telling people to avoid public venues or fairs,? said Pennsylvania DOH Secretary Dr. Eli Avila. ?But, until we complete our investigation, we want to make sure that the public is aware and is taking the proper precautions to protect their health.?

Everyday preventative actions against influenza include:
  • Coughing or sneezing into a tissue, your sleeve or elbow (not your hands);
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze, or using an alcohol-based hand cleaner;
  • Keeping your hands away from your face ? don?t touch your mouth, hands or eyes;
  • Keeping frequently used surfaces clean; and
  • Staying home from work, school, and social gatherings if you have flu-like and feverish symptoms to help prevent others from catching your illness.
For more information, visit www.health.state.pa.us or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

Media contacts:

Christine Cronkright or Brandi Hunter-Davenport, Pa. DOH; 717-787-1783
Samantha Krepps, Pa. Department of Agriculture; 717-787-5085
Tom Skinner, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 404-639-3286

###
-
-------
 
Re: Novel Influenza-A Cases Linked to County Fair; Pennsylvanians Should Continue Flu Prevention Practices and Report Flu-like Illness (Pa. Dept. of Health, Sept. 5 2011)

I don't know if the underlined statement is true, but if it is, they would have taken ill nearly two weeks after the end of the fair.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11249/1172418-58.stm


3 children contract H1N1 virus at Washington County agricultural event
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
By Paula Reed Ward, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Three children who attended the Washington County Agricultural Fair last month have contracted a new strain of influenza that contains H1N1.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports that one of the children has fully recovered, and the other two are expected to be fine.

"As far as how it was contracted, we don't know that yet," said health department spokeswoman Christine Cronkright. "The link to the fair is, obviously, the common denominator at this point."

This influenza A strain is unique because it includes both H3N2 and a genetic component of H1N1, the swine flu that resulted in a pandemic in 2009, according to Ms. Cronkright.

Health officials do not believe this strain of influenza is transmitted between humans, Ms. Cronkright said.

"We're trying to figure out how all these cases are inter-related," she said. "That's the big focus of this investigation."

According to the state Health Department, all three children attended the Washington County fair between Aug. 13 and 20.

The first patient became sick on Aug. 20. By Aug. 23, the child was believed to have some strain of the flu. The symptoms include fever, non-productive cough and lethargy.

The other two children became ill over Labor Day weekend.

At least two of the children were hospitalized, Ms. Cronkright said. She could not release their ages because of confidentiality laws.

In late July, a person in Indiana became ill with similar symptoms, along with diarrhea, shortness of breath and a sore throat. A novel strain of flu was suspected in mid-August. That case is not correlated to any of those in Pennsylvania, Ms. Cronkright said.

The Health Department is still trying to figure out what could have sickened the children in Pennsylvania.

H3N2 can be transmitted between humans and from animal to human, Ms. Cronkright said.

"We're still in the beginnings of this," she said. "But the investigation is moving pretty quickly."

The president of the Washington County Agricultural Fair was out of town Monday and could not be reached for comment.

The current flu vaccine includes combinations of both H3N2 and H1N1, but not this particular version.

But, Ms. Cronkright continued, if there is no human-to-human transmission, a vaccination may not be necessary.

"We're hopeful there isn't, so there won't be that huge threat," she said.

Anyone who attended the Washington County Agricultural Fair and has flu-like symptoms should contact their medical provider or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

Paula Reed Ward: pward@post-gazette.com or 412-263-2620.


First published on September 6, 2011 at 12:00 am


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11249/1172418-58.stm#ixzz1X97Gt7hy
 
Re: Novel Influenza-A Cases Linked to County Fair; Pennsylvanians Should Continue Flu Prevention Practices and Report Flu-like Illness (Pa. Dept. of Health, Sept. 5 2011)

http://canon-mcmillan.patch.com/articles/department-of-agriculture-no-sick-animals-reported

Department of Agriculture: No Sick Animals Reported
The state departments of Health and Agriculture said the investigation into a rare flu linked to the Washington County Agricultural Fair will continue.

By Amanda Gillooly

The departments of Health and Agriculture are investigating a rare flu strain linked to the Washington County Agricultural Fair.Credit Aimee Obidzinski

The state Department of Agriculture on Tuesday said there have been no reports of sick animals in the wake of three children who were sickened by a rare flu virus linked to the Washington County Agricultural Fair.

?There has been no scientific link to swine at the fair (and these cases),? said Department of Agriculture Press Secretary Samantha
Elliot Krepps. ?All we know for sure is that they were all at the
fair.?

The first individual to become ill, announced on Friday, has fully recovered from the illness. Two other individuals, confirmed ill over the weekend, are recovering. All three are children who reported attending the Washington County Agricultural Fair the week of Aug. 13-20.

Reached Tuesday, a spokesman for the Department of Health said no
additional information was being released regarding the three cases.

But a release issued by a spokesman suggested people refrain from hitting the panic button regarding the strain spreading.

"Currently, we don?t have any evidence to support that this novel influenza A virus will lead to a pandemic, as we haven?t yet been able to prove that it is being transmitted from human to human," the release indicated. "As with any new influenza A virus, public health officials are working to learn more about the source of this particular strain and to determine how/if it can be spread from person to person."

As for vaccinations?

"The 2011‐2012 vaccine is the same as last year, covering two strains of influenza A (pandemic H1N1 and a H3N2 strain that has been circulating for a few years now) as well as a strain of influenza B," the release stated. "It is too early to tell whether or not this new strain will even need vaccination."

The cases in Pennsylvania are similar to previous, rare human
infections with swine-origin H3N2 viruses, but are unique in that they
contain a genetic component of the H1N1 virus.

A continuing investigation, which is being jointly undertaken by the
departments of Health and Agriculture, as well as the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, has not yet uncovered how the illness
was transmitted to the three individuals.

However, no additional human infections with this virus have been
identified to date.

Anyone who attended the Washington County Fair and has flu-like
symptoms should contact their local health care provider or call
1-877-PA-HEALTH.

Editor's note: To view a complete copy of the fact sheet issued by the state Department of Health, click on the accompanying PDF.
 
Re: Novel Influenza-A Cases Linked to County Fair; Pennsylvanians Should Continue Flu Prevention Practices and Report Flu-like Illness (Pa. Dept. of Health, Sept. 5 2011)

I don't know this source, and it may simply be including the Indiana case in its report, but this might be a report of a 4th case in Washington county. It does have some strange quirks (Reappearance of swine flu? Where did it go?).

http://news.yahoo.com/swine-flu-back-pennsylvania-200200754.html

..Swine Flu Back in Pennsylvania
..By Jason Gallagher
.PostsWebsite .By Jason Gallagher |

Swine flu has been spotted again in Pennsylvania. Last week two children were identified as having contracted the virus, and early this week state officials confirmed two more cases both in children. The two children from last week have recovered, and the other two are being treated. However, all four cases are connected to the Washington County Agricultural Fair held the week of Aug. 13-20. The virus is referred to as swine flu because it has been infecting pigs for the last several years, and the reappearance of the virus raises many questions due to the 2009 pandemic.


I was at the Washington County Fair -- should I be worried?



Anyone who was at the Washington County Fair that has developed flu-like symptoms is being asked to call (800) PA-HEALTH -- (800) 724-32584. While location of the confirmed cases might be a coincidence, so far it is the common thread in all four situations. However, no cases of human-to-human transfer of the virus have been confirmed.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?



The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to seasonal flu and include: fatigue, coughing, and fever. While other symptoms are possible, as a precaution anyone with flu like symptoms is being asked to call the contact number.

Is the fair at fault?



The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture monitors the health of all the animals at fairs. Since no animals were reported ill, the fair believes it is not to blame for the infections. It is not yet determined that the sick children contracted the virus at the fair or at another location.

Why are these cases so special?


These cases stand out because this particular strain of the virus contains a gene from the original virus that caused the pandemic. The current flu shots do not contain vaccinations against this particular strain of virus, although it does contain two for common swine flu classifications: H1N1 and H3N2. The virus that has sickened the children can be spread from animal to human or from one human to another.


Is another pandemic on the way?



Thoughts of all residents are shifting to 2009 when 2,000 people in Western Pennsylvania fell ill to the virus and caused at least 18 deaths. So far rather than be concerned about a pandemic, residents should monitor the research of the path the illness has taken and be prepared to take appropriate action.

Jason Gallagher is a long-time Pennsylvania resident. He has experiences in trends and developments in many regions from having lived in many parts of the Keystone State, and currently resides in the Pittsburgh area.

..
 
Re: Novel Influenza-A Cases Linked to County Fair; Pennsylvanians Should Continue Flu Prevention Practices and Report Flu-like Illness (Pa. Dept. of Health, Sept. 5 2011)

http://www.promedmail.org/pls/apex/..._BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ID:1000,90148

Archive Number 20110906.2723
Published Date 06-SEP-2011
Subject PRO/AH/EDR> Influenza (52): (PA), swine-origin H3N2 reassortant, 3 cases

INFLUENZA (52): (PENNSYLVANIA), SWINE-ORIGIN H3N2 REASSORTANT, 3 CASES
**********************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Mon 5 Sep 2011
Source: PRNewswirw [edited]
<http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novel-influenza-a-cases-linked-to-county-fair-pennsylvanians-should-continue-flu-prevention-practices-and-report-flu-like-illness-129260413.html>



Novel Influenza-A Cases Linked to County Fair
---------------------------------------------
The Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Agriculture today announced
3 cases of a novel influenza A virus have been identified, and are now
linked to an agricultural fair in southwestern Pennsylvania.

The 1st individual to become ill, announced on Friday (2 Sep 2011),
has fully recovered from the illness. 2 other individuals, confirmed
ill over the weekend, are recovering. All 3 are children who reported
attending the Washington County Agricultural Fair the week of 13-20
Aug 2011.

The cases in Pennsylvania are similar to previous, rare human
infections with swine-origin H3N2 viruses, but are unique in that they
contain a genetic component of the H1N1 virus.

A continuing investigation, which is being jointly undertaken by the
Departments of Health and Agriculture, as well as the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has not yet uncovered how the
illness was transmitted to the 3 individuals. However, no additional
human infections with this virus have been identified to date.

Anyone who attended the Washington County Fair and has flu-like
symptoms should contact their local health care provider or call the
Pennsylvania Departments of Health. Symptoms would be similar to that
of seasonal influenza, and would include fever, lethargy (extreme
tiredness), lack of appetite and coughing. Other influenza symptoms
may include a runny nose, sore throat, eye irritation, nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea.

The Department of Health [DOH] and the CDC are conducting increased
surveillance and tracking in southwestern Pennsylvania, as well as
setting up informational booths about influenza at agricultural fairs,
while Department of Agriculture is continuing with monitoring the
health of animals at all exhibitions. The Department of Health
continues to urge the public to take everyday precautions to prevent
the spread of respiratory viruses, while the Department of Agriculture
reminds residents to remember to wash your hands after coming into
contact with animals at fairs and in other public venues.

"We're not telling people to avoid public venues or fairs," said
Pennsylvania DOH Secretary Dr. Eli Avila. "But, until we complete our
investigation, we want to make sure that the public is aware and is
taking the proper precautions to protect their health."

Everyday preventative actions against influenza include:

-- Coughing or sneezing into a tissue, your sleeve or elbow (not your
hands);

-- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20
seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze, or using an
alcohol-based hand cleaner;

-- Keeping your hands away from your face -- don't touch your mouth,
hands or eyes;

-- Keeping frequently used surfaces clean; and

-- Staying home from work, school, and social gatherings if you have
flu-like and feverish symptoms to help prevent others from catching
your illness.

For more information, visit <http://www.health.state.pa.us>.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Mary Marshall
<promed@promedmail.org>

[A total of 2 cases of febrile respiratory illness caused by
swine-origin influenza A (H3N2) viruses were identified on 19 Aug 2011
and 26 Aug 2011, and their characterisation has been described in the
ProMED-mail post archived as 'Influenza (51): swine-origin H3N2
reassortant, children 20110902.2685.' One case (case A) was a boy aged
<5 year resident in Indiana. The other (case B) was a girl aged <5
years, resident in Pennsylvania. No epidemiologic link between the 2
cases had been identified, and although investigations were ongoing,
no additional confirmed human infections with this virus has been
reported.

The 3 cases described in the above report from the Pennsylvania
Department of Health are presumed to be case B and 2 new cases. On as
yet circumstantial grounds they are being linked to attendance at the
same agricultural fair, suggesting transmission of the infection from
an animal source, rather than by person-to-person contact. Further
information is awaited.

These viruses are similar to 8 other swine-origin influenza A (H3N2)
viruses identified from previous human infections over the past 2
years, but are unique in that one of the 8 gene segments (matrix [M]
gene) is from the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus. The acquisition of
the M gene in the 2 viruses so far characterised indicates that they
are "reassortants" because they contain genes of the swine-origin
influenza A (H3N2) virus circulating in North American pigs since 1998
and the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus that might have been transmitted
to pigs from humans during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Although reassortment between swine influenza and 2009 influenza A
(H1N1) viruses has been reported in pigs in the United States, this
particular genetic combination of swine influenza virus segments is
unique and has not been reported previously in either swine or humans,
based on a review of influenza genomic sequences publicly available in
GenBank. Analysis of data submitted to GenBank via the US Department
of Agriculture (USDA) Swine Influenza Virus Surveillance Program
subsequent to this case identified 2 additional influenza A (H3N2)
isolates from swine containing the M gene from the 2009 influenza A
(H1N1) virus. [See also: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2011; 60(early
release)
<http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm60e0902a1.htm?s_cid=mm60e0902a1_e&source=govdelivery>.


The location of Washington County in the state of Pennsylvania can be
found in the maps at:
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_County,_Pennsylvania>. -
Mod.CP]
 
Re: Novel Influenza-A Cases Linked to County Fair; Pennsylvanians Should Continue Flu Prevention Practices and Report Flu-like Illness (Pa. Dept. of Health, Sept. 5 2011)

Schuylkill county is in eastern PA, so this would make the child a visitor to the fair, and not a family member of a local farmer (ruling out any other likely swine exposures).

BTW, the standard way of saying that word is "skoo-kill", not "shoo-will-kill", as at least one reporter has said in a video clip.

http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/09-06-2011-Influenza-Cases-Linked-to-Wash-Co-Fair

9/6/2011 3:31 AM Email this article • Print this article Ag Dept. links ill children, area fair
Staff & Wire Reports
This article has been read 2327 times
State officials said Monday that three Pennsylvania children who attended Washington County Agricultural Fair earlier this month have contracted a new strain of influenza containing the H1N1 virus.
Authorities said all three children attended the fair the week of Aug. 13-20.

They said one child has recovered, while two confirmed ill over the weekend are recuperating.

However, a county fair official said Monday evening the fair was told last week by the state Department of Agriculture that it did not appear that the influenza cases had their origins at the local fairgrounds.

Jeff Lash, vice president of Washington County Agricultural Fair, said fair board President Dick Horstman was in contact with the agricultural department Aug. 30.
"As of (Aug. 30), they didn't feel any of this was actually related to the fair," Lash said. Hostman was not available for comment Monday.

Lash acknowledged that one person from an eastern Pennsylvania county had visited the fair and later came down with the virus.

"We only knew of one person who was visiting from another county" and later became ill, Lash said.

Department of Health press secretary Christine Cronkright told the Observer-Reporter later Monday the health department is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control to learn more about the influenza virus.

"We're still in the very beginning of the investigation with this," Cronkright said Monday night. "Right now, the (Washington County) fair is the common denominator among the three cases."

The health department stressed it was not telling people not to attend public venues or fairs.

While investigators have not yet uncovered how the illness was transmitted to the three people, Cronkright said no additional human infections with this virus have been identified.

"There's been no evidence of human transmission," she said.

She said the fact that the strain was identified so quickly gives investigators an advantage that earlier flu outbreaks have not always provided.

Cronkright also noted that the flu the children contracted "is sort of a rare strain of influenza."

The health department said the three cases identified are similar to previous, rare human infections with swine-origin H3N2 viruses but are unique in that they contain a genetic component of the H1N1 virus.

"While it's not unusual for an influenza virus to evolve, what's unusual is that it does include a genetic component of the H1N1 virus" that was linked to the 2009 flu pandemic, Cronkright said.

The health department is asking all who attended the Washington County fair and have flu-like symptoms to contact their medical provider or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

It said symptoms would be similar to that of seasonal influenza and would include fever, lethargy (extreme tiredness), lack of appetite and coughing. Other flu symptoms may include a runny nose, sore throat, eye irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The Department of Health and the CDC are conducting increased surveillance and tracking in Southwestern Pennsylvania, as well as setting up informational booths about influenza at agricultural fairs, while the Department of Agriculture is continuing with monitoring the health of animals at all exhibitions.

Cronkright said Monday she was not sure which fairs were receiving informational booths. The West Alexander Fair opened Monday and will be open through Saturday.

"We're not telling people to avoid public venues or fairs," said DOH Secretary Dr. Eli Avila. "But until we complete our investigation, we want to make sure that the public is aware and is taking the proper precautions to protect their health."
 
Re: Novel Influenza-A Cases Linked to County Fair; Pennsylvanians Should Continue Flu Prevention Practices and Report Flu-like Illness (Pa. Dept. of Health, Sept. 5 2011)

INFLUENZA (52): (PENNSYLVANIA), SWINE-ORIGIN H3N2 REASSORTANT, 3 CASES


A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Mon 5 Sep 2011
Source: PRNewswirw [edited]
<http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novel-influenza-a-cases-linked-to-county-fair-pennsylvanians-should-continue-flu-prevention-practices-and-report-flu-like-illness-129260413.html>



Novel Influenza-A Cases Linked to County Fair
---------------------------------------------
The Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Agriculture today announced
3 cases of a novel influenza A virus have been identified, and are now
linked to an agricultural fair in southwestern Pennsylvania.

The 1st individual to become ill, announced on Friday (2 Sep 2011),
has fully recovered from the illness. 2 other individuals, confirmed
ill over the weekend, are recovering. All 3 are children who reported
attending the Washington County Agricultural Fair the week of 13-20
Aug 2011.

The cases in Pennsylvania are similar to previous, rare human
infections with swine-origin H3N2 viruses, but are unique in that they
contain a genetic component of the H1N1 virus.

A continuing investigation, which is being jointly undertaken by the
Departments of Health and Agriculture, as well as the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has not yet uncovered how the
illness was transmitted to the 3 individuals. However, no additional
human infections with this virus have been identified to date.

Anyone who attended the Washington County Fair and has flu-like
symptoms should contact their local health care provider or call the
Pennsylvania Departments of Health. Symptoms would be similar to that
of seasonal influenza, and would include fever, lethargy (extreme
tiredness), lack of appetite and coughing. Other influenza symptoms
may include a runny nose, sore throat, eye irritation, nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea.

The Department of Health [DOH] and the CDC are conducting increased
surveillance and tracking in southwestern Pennsylvania, as well as
setting up informational booths about influenza at agricultural fairs,
while Department of Agriculture is continuing with monitoring the
health of animals at all exhibitions. The Department of Health
continues to urge the public to take everyday precautions to prevent
the spread of respiratory viruses, while the Department of Agriculture
reminds residents to remember to wash your hands after coming into
contact with animals at fairs and in other public venues.

"We're not telling people to avoid public venues or fairs," said
Pennsylvania DOH Secretary Dr. Eli Avila. "But, until we complete our
investigation, we want to make sure that the public is aware and is
taking the proper precautions to protect their health."

Everyday preventative actions against influenza include:

-- Coughing or sneezing into a tissue, your sleeve or elbow (not your
hands);

-- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20
seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze, or using an
alcohol-based hand cleaner;

-- Keeping your hands away from your face -- don't touch your mouth,
hands or eyes;

-- Keeping frequently used surfaces clean; and

-- Staying home from work, school, and social gatherings if you have
flu-like and feverish symptoms to help prevent others from catching
your illness.

For more information, visit <http://www.health.state.pa.us>.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Mary Marshall
<promed@promedmail.org>

[A total of 2 cases of febrile respiratory illness caused by
swine-origin influenza A (H3N2) viruses were identified on 19 Aug 2011
and 26 Aug 2011, and their characterisation has been described in the
ProMED-mail post archived as 'Influenza (51): swine-origin H3N2
reassortant, children 20110902.2685.' One case (case A) was a boy aged
<5 year resident in Indiana. The other (case B) was a girl aged <5
years, resident in Pennsylvania. No epidemiologic link between the 2
cases had been identified, and although investigations were ongoing,
no additional confirmed human infections with this virus has been
reported.

The 3 cases described in the above report from the Pennsylvania
Department of Health are presumed to be case B and 2 new cases. On as
yet circumstantial grounds they are being linked to attendance at the
same agricultural fair, suggesting transmission of the infection from
an animal source, rather than by person-to-person contact. Further
information is awaited.

These viruses are similar to 8 other swine-origin influenza A (H3N2)
viruses identified from previous human infections over the past 2
years, but are unique in that one of the 8 gene segments (matrix [M]
gene) is from the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus. The acquisition of
the M gene in the 2 viruses so far characterised indicates that they
are "reassortants" because they contain genes of the swine-origin
influenza A (H3N2) virus circulating in North American pigs since 1998
and the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus that might have been transmitted
to pigs from humans during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Although reassortment between swine influenza and 2009 influenza A
(H1N1) viruses has been reported in pigs in the United States, this
particular genetic combination of swine influenza virus segments is
unique and has not been reported previously in either swine or humans,
based on a review of influenza genomic sequences publicly available in
GenBank. Analysis of data submitted to GenBank via the US Department
of Agriculture (USDA) Swine Influenza Virus Surveillance Program
subsequent to this case identified 2 additional influenza A (H3N2)
isolates from swine containing the M gene from the 2009 influenza A
(H1N1) virus. [See also: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2011; 60(early
release)
<http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm60e0902a1.htm?s_cid=mm60e0902a1_e&source=govdelivery>.


The location of Washington County in the state of Pennsylvania can be
found in the maps at:
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_County,_Pennsylvania>. -
Mod.CP]

http://www.promedmail.org/pls/otn/f..._BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ID:1000,90148
 
Re: Novel Influenza-A Cases Linked to County Fair; Pennsylvanians Should Continue Flu Prevention Practices and Report Flu-like Illness (Pa. Dept. of Health, Sept. 5 2011)

Apparently, as of today, a second of the three cases is now classified as "fully recovered".

http://www.cdc.gov/media/haveyouheard/stories/lab_testing.html

[snip]

Two of the patients are fully recovered and the third is recovering.
 
Re: Novel Influenza-A Cases Linked to County Fair; Pennsylvanians Should Continue Flu Prevention Practices and Report Flu-like Illness (Pa. Dept. of Health, Sept. 5 2011)

From World Health Organization September 9 2011 Influenza Update, full page: http://www.who.int/influenza/surveil.../en/index.html

(...)

Of interest, the USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported four cases of swine influenza A(H3N2) virus in children in the states of Indiana (1 case) and Pennsylvania (three cases).

The virus is similar to one that has been circulating in swine since 1998 and which has been previously identified in eight human cases.

The viral genome contains seven of the eight gene segments from the circulating swine H3N2 viruses, including the hemaglutinin and neuraminidase genes, however, it is unique in that it contains one gene segment, the M gene, derived from the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus.


Quote:
<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset" class=alt2>The swine H3N2 viruses have antigenic cross-reactivity with human H3N2 viruses circulating in the 1990s. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The Indiana case did not have direct exposure to pigs but had contact with a care-giver who did have recent swine contact.

The three cases in Pennsylvania had all recently visited a fair where swine were present.

The virus does not appear to have spread widely in humans; however, investigations are ongoing.

For more information, see the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, September 9, 2011 / 60(35);1213-1215 and the Pennsylvania Department of Health website.

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Re: Novel Influenza-A Cases Linked to County Fair; Pennsylvanians Should Continue Flu Prevention Practices and Report Flu-like Illness (Pa. Dept. of Health, Sept. 5 2011)

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/


As a result of intensive surveillance after the identification of two cases of human infection with a novel influenza A virus, one in Indiana and one in Pennsylvania, reported in August MMWR, two additional human infections with novel influenza A virus were identified in Pennsylvania. Both patients were infected with swine-origin influenza A (H3N2) viruses, with illness onset dates of August 18 and August 21, 2011. One patient was hospitalized, but was discharged home and both patients have fully recovered. All three Pennsylvania patients reported contact with pigs at the same agricultural fair in the week preceding symptom onset and enhanced surveillance for human illness continues. Although these additional cases have been detected, exposure to pigs was reported in both cases and no evidence of ongoing transmission of this virus in the community has been identified.
 
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