News Release
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) urges residents to be aware of an increase in H3N2v flu cases in the United States. H3N2v is transmitted through contact with swine.
Since July 2011, a total of 29 cases have been reported, with 16 of those cases reported and confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the last three weeks.
The confirmed cases of H3N2v infection virus were reported in Hawaii, Ohio and Indiana. At this time, there have been no deaths associated with H3N2v virus infection and no cases identified in Mississippi.
The symptoms of H3N2v infection virus in humans are similar to those of seasonal flu, causing fever, respiratory symptoms and body aches.
The majority of the infections have occurred following contact with swine, but there has been some limited human-to-human transmission.
Each of the 16 cases identified since July 12, 2012 reported contact with swine prior to experiencing symptoms of illness. In 15 of the confirmed cases, contact with swine occurred while attending or exhibiting swine at an agricultural fair.
The public is encouraged to take the following precautions to limit exposure to H3N2v flu:
- Those at high risk for influenza (flu) complications (those with underlying chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or neurological conditions, or who are pregnant or younger than five years, older than 65 years of age or have weakened immune systems) should avoiding contact with pigs and swine barns, especially if ill pigs have been identified.
- Those engaging in activities that may involve swine contact, such as attending agricultural events or exhibiting swine, should wash their hands frequently with soap and running water before and after contact with animals; avoid eating or drinking in animal areas; and avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill.
- Anyone experiencing influenza-like symptoms following direct or close contact with pigs should seek medical care and inform their health care provider about the exposure.
- Those with influenza-like illness who are at high risk for influenza complications (those with underlying chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or neurological conditions, or who are pregnant or younger than five years, older than 65 years of age or have weakened immune systems) should see their health care provider promptly.
- Influenza viruses have not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork or other products derived from pigs. For more information about the proper handling and preparation of pork, visit the USDA website fact sheet "Fresh Pork from Farm to Table."
- The Mississippi Board of Animal Health encourages swine owners to contact a veterinarian if their animals show signs such as coughing, respiratory illness and fever.
MSDH is working with physicians around the state to monitor for H3N2v flu.
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