Influenza A Outbreak in Indiana

Influenza A Outbreak in Indiana

First outbreak of influenza virus during a fair this season was reported by Indiana State. From July 8 to 14, there were reports of ill humans and swine that occurred during a fair.

Health officials collected samples from random swine and undergone several tests in diagnostic laboratories. The samples were positive for swine influenza (H3N2) viruses. Also, four of the human samples were positive for the said virus as well. M gene that was present in the pandemic H1N1 virus was confirmed to be present in the H3N2 virus.

Swine is the most common infected host of influenza A that causes outbreaks in swine herds. Flu virus the affects swine does not always affect humans. But these kinds of cases can occur. Influenza viruses can be both transmitted from humans to swine and from swine to humans.

International Association of Fairs and Expositions said that, “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.”

“Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings” was developed to provide preventive measures that are useful to people who raise swine.

Posted by George Daniels on Sunday August 05 2012, 5:57 AM EST. Ref: Yahoo. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0