One case was reported in Hawaii, 10 cases in Ohio and one in Indiana.
Since July 2011, the CDC said the number of cases in the U.S. has reached 29, with a total of seven cases in Indiana. Officials said 23 percent of the cases reported having contact with swine before getting sick. Of the 29 cases, 19 of them were associated with fairs.
Those infected with the H3N2v virus could experience symptoms on influenza. A fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and muscle aches are common.
Children younger than 5 years old, people 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions) are at high risk from serious complications if they get influenza. The CDC recommends these people avoid exposure to pigs and wine barns this summer.
The CDC recommends the following preventive actions:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water before and after exposure to animals.
- Never eat, drink or put things in your mouth while 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.
For more information, visit the CDC website.
