INDIANAPOLIS—State health officials are encouraging Hoosiers to take steps to protect themselves at county and 4H fairs around the state this summer following detection of four cases of variant influenza A (H3N2v). All individuals visited the Grant County Agricultural Fair, June 16-22, prior to illness, and at least two had contact with swine. Variant influenza A H3N2v was identified in Indiana last year, with a total of 138 cases in 2012.
The Indiana State
Department of Health and the Grant County Health Department continue to
investigate these cases. Human infections with H3N2v are rare but have
most commonly occurred after close proximity to live infected pigs, such
as working with them in barns and livestock exhibits at fairs.
Influenza viruses are not transmitted by eating pork and pork products.
According to the State Board of Animal Health, thirteen pigs at the fair tested positive for H3N2. It is not uncommon for pigs to be infected with swine influenza viruses but not show any signs of illness. If ill with influenza they typically recover.
“Fairs are a great way
to get outdoors, have some fun and learn about agriculture,” said State
Health Commissioner William VanNess, M.D. “If you plan to attend a fair
this summer, just be sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid
taking food into areas where animals are kept.”
Symptoms of variant
influenza A include: fever, cough, sore throat, chills, headache and
muscle aches. Diarrhea and nausea may occur in children. Symptoms can
begin approximately one to four days after being exposed to the illness
and last from two to seven days.
As several county
fairs will open in the next few weeks, State health officials are
increasing surveillance for influenza-like illness.
“We are increasing our
surveillance so we can learn more about this virus and because
antiviral treatment is most effective if given within 48 hours,” said
Dr. VanNess. “It’s important to contact your health care provider if you
begin experiencing flu-like symptoms.”
And
if you have visited a fair or been around animals, let your health care
provider know. Influenza antiviral drugs can treat infection with H3N2v
and quick
treatment is especially important for people who are at high risk of
serious flu complications, including the very young, the elderly, people
with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease
and pregnant women.
Visiting animal
exhibits is fun and educational, and Hoosiers are reminded to follow
some simple safety steps to prevent illness. Wash hands with soap and
water before and after petting or touching any animal. Never eat, drink
or put anything in your mouth when visiting animal areas and avoid
face-to-face contact with animals. People at high risk for flu
complications should avoid close contact with swine in the fair setting
particularly.
While influenza is not
an uncommon diagnosis in pigs, the State Board of Animal Health
encourages swine owners to contact a veterinarian if their animals show
signs consistent with flu, including coughing, respiratory illness,
off-feed and fever. Most county fairs have a private veterinary
practitioner on call for on-site assistance.
Since there is no
vaccine available for people to protect against this H3N2v virus, the
best way to prevent infection with variant influenza is to avoid sources
of exposure to the virus. As always good hygiene and other everyday
preventive actions are important to take as well. Wash your hands
frequently. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow. Avoid contact
with people or animals that are ill. Stay home if you develop influenza
symptoms and contact your health care provider.
http://www.in.gov/activecalendar/EventList.aspx?fromdate=6/26/2013&todate=7/9/2013&display=&type=public&eventidn=108220&view=EventDetails&information_id=183563&print=print
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