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

[Editing is mine]

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.