CDC Reports Cases 14-17 of H3N2v Infection; Shares Advice for Safe Fair-Going

July 27, 2012 -- The state of Indiana this week reported the first novel influenza virus outbreak associated with a fair this season. Following reports of ill swine and humans during a fair in Indiana from July 8-14, samples were taken from swine and humans. Twelve swine were randomly sampled by Indiana state animal health officials, tested at Indiana and federal animal diagnostic laboratories, and found to be infected with swine influenza A (H3N2) viruses. Four people tested positive for influenza A (H3N2) variant virus.* Genetic testing confirmed that the viruses found in humans and those found in swine are nearly identical, and both have the M gene from the pandemic H1N1 virus. These cases bring the total number of detected infections with the H3N2v virus containing the pandemic M gene in the United States since 2011 to 17.

Type A influenza viruses commonly infect swine, causing outbreaks among swine herds. Most of the type A influenza viruses that infect swine are genetically very different from human (seasonal) influenza viruses, including currently circulating seasonal H3N2 viruses. While swine flu viruses seldom infect humans, such infections can and do occur. In fact, influenza viruses can spread both from swine to humans and from humans to swine.

“Fairs are an important event for exhibitors and their swine, and a great experience for fairgoers,” says CDC Influenza Division Deputy Director Dr. Dan Jernigan, “but they are a venue for contact between people and swine. The detection of H3N2v at a few fairs last year, and its re-emergence at one fair so far this year makes this an issue to watch closely.”

The four cases reported by Indiana occurred in people who were exhibiting swine, or family members of people who were exhibiting swine, and were associated with swine contact. Previously, however, there have been H3N2v infections with no reported swine contact and instances of limited human-to-human transmission. “Of the 17 H3N2v infections detected to date, 11 have been associated with swine contact, and eight of these have been associated with fairs,” says Jernigan. In 6 cases, there has been no reported swine contact.

“There may be something different about the H3N2v virus in its ability to be more easily transmitted to people that warrants closer monitoring,” says Jernigan. There is some speculation that acquisition of the M gene from the pandemic H1N1 virus may make H3N2v viruses more transmissible.

According to the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), “more than 3,200 fairs are held in North America each year. They provide industrial exhibits, demonstrations and competition aimed at the advancement of livestock, horticulture and agriculture with special emphasis placed on educational activities such as 4-H, FFA [Future Farmers of America] and similar youth development programs.” Swine are a common presence at such fairs.

“As fair season begins across the United States, CDC would like to let people know about some preventive actions they can take to make their fair experience a safe and healthy one,” says Jernigan.

The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians has developed the Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2011 to provide some preventive actions that are applicable to people raising swine, showing swine at fairs, or attending fairs.

Take Action to Prevent the Spread of Flu Viruses Between People and Pigs**

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water before and after exposure to animals.
• Never eat, drink or put things in your mouth in animal areas, and don’t take food or drink into animal areas.
• Young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems should be extra careful around animals.
• If you have animals – including swine – watch them for signs of illness and call a veterinarian if you suspect they might be sick.
• Avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill, when possible.
• Avoid contact with pigs if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

If you must come in contact with pigs while you are sick, or if you must come in contact with pigs known or suspected to be infected, or their environment, you should use appropriate protective measures (for example, wear protective clothing, gloves, masks that cover your mouth and nose, and other personal protective equipment) and practice good respiratory and hand hygiene.

Certain People at Higher Risk

“For influenza, certain people may be at higher risk of getting infected, or may be at higher risk for more severe outcomes,” says Jernigan. Studies conducted by CDC have indicated that children younger than 10 would have little to no immunity against H3N2v, whereas adults may have some cross-protective immunity. Most cases of H3N2v have occurred in children at this time. Other people who are at higher risk for seasonal flu-related complications include people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease or neurological disorders. “Prevention is especially important for these people,” says Jernigan.

Pork Safety

It should be noted that swine influenza has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) 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.

If You Get Sick

• If you live in an area where H3N2v or other variant virus infections have been identified recently and develop flu-like illness, contact your health care provider (a doctor, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, etc.). Tell them if you have had contact with pigs or with other sick people.
• If you live in an area where no H3N2v has been detected, follow CDC’s regular recommendations for seeking treatment for influenza. (If seeking treatment is recommended and you have had contact with pigs, tell your health care provider about it.)
• Also, whenever you have flu symptoms and are seeing a health care provider, always remember to tell them if you have asthma, diabetes, heart disease, neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, are pregnant, or are older than 65 or younger than 5 years. These conditions and age factors (and others) put you at high risk of serious complications if you get the flu. Most of the people who have been infected with H3N2v so far have been children.
• Flu symptoms usually include fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea.
• Health care providers will determine whether influenza testing and possible treatment are needed.
• There are influenza antiviral drugs that can be used to treat infection with H3N2v viruses as well as seasonal influenza viruses. More information about influenza antiviral drugs is available at Treatment (Antiviral Drugs).

More Information

• Indiana State Department of Health Website.
• More information about H3N2v.
• More information on swine influenza can be found in What People Who Raise Pigs Need To Know About Influenza (Flu).
• Additional information and materials, including educational posters [389 KB, 1 page] that can be displayed around animal exhibits, also are available in Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2011.

* A “variant” designation is applied when a virus that normally circulates in swine is found in humans.

** These recommendations are taken from Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2011 and What People Who Raise Pigs Need To Know About Influenza (Flu).