By Andi Anderson
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recently reported a case of variant H3N2 (H3N2v) flu in a person under 18 who had attended an agricultural event before showing symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) included this case in its weekly flu update. The patient, who sought medical care during the week of July 13, did not require hospitalization. No related illnesses have been detected among the patient’s contacts, and the investigation is ongoing.
In a separate report, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed an H3N2v flu case in a resident of Ingham County. The CDC verified the positive test results in late July. The source of the patient's exposure is still under investigation, and there is currently no known contact with swine or other animals.
These two new cases bring the total number of variant flu cases reported this year to five. The three previous cases involved the H1N2 variant (H1N2v) and occurred in Pennsylvania.
Most variant flu cases are typically associated with contact with pigs, and the United States often sees a rise in such cases during the summer, coinciding with exposure at agricultural fairs.
Health officials are closely monitoring these developments and conducting thorough investigations to determine the sources of exposure and prevent further spread of the virus.
The CDC continues to emphasize the importance of awareness and precautionary measures when attending events with potential animal contact, particularly during the summer months when variant flu cases are more common.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: Michigan, Livestock