Swine Flu in Kosciusko: One Case Confirmed, One Suspected
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
A case of variant influenza A (H3N2v), also known as the swine flu, was confirmed Wednesday in Kosciusko County.
Teresa Reed, communicable disease nurse for Kosciusko County Health Department, confirmed the report this morning.
One additional sample has been sent to the Indiana State Department of Health for testing. Reed said the individual had symptoms consistent with influenza.
While she could not provide more information on the specific cases, when a suspected case of the flu is detected, the department investigates and then waits for confirmation, she said.
“We look for anyone around them who are ill, and request that they remain home while they are ill,” she said.
ISDH officials now have confirmed 113 cases of variant influenza A (H3N2v), according to the official ISDH website, impacting 18 counties statewide. More cases are expected to be confirmed this week.
Along with Kosciusko, other counties with confirmation of the influenza as of this morning include Bartholomew, Greene, Hamilton, Hendricks, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson, LaPorte, Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Porter, Scott, Tipton, Washington and White.
Reed said the situation is being closely watched by the ISDH and the Centers for Disease Control. Last week, she said she took part in a phone conference on up-to-date information.
To date, all cases of the illness have been mild, and the situation is being monitored.
The Indiana State Department of Health has set up a call center to answer the general public’s questions regarding variant influenza A. The call center is open from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 877-826-0011.
“It’s important for folks to remember this is a mild illness with symptoms similar to what we see with seasonal flu,” according to State Health Commissioner Gregory Larkin, M.D., on the website. “Because this is a relatively new strain of flu, only first seen in July of last year, a vaccine is not yet available. However, you can help to protect yourself by practicing thorough and frequent hand washing and by being mindful not to eat around barn animals.”
Flu symptoms usually include fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat and runny nose. Other possible symptoms may include body aches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. They may last from three to eight days, according to the ISDH.
To avoid the flu and other respiratory infections, the state reminds people of these practices:
– Wash your hands frequently, including before and after touching animals.
– Never eat, drink or put anything in your mouth when visiting animal areas.
– Older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with weakened immune systems should be extra careful around animals. – Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow.
– If possible, avoid contact with those who are ill.
– Stay home if you develop influenza symptoms and contact your health care provider.
Health officials have not determined person-to-person transmission at this time, according to the ISDH website, but continue to investigate the possibility.
Variant influenza A virus can be directly transmitted from swine to people and from people to swine. Human infections are most likely to occur when people are in 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.
Additional information regarding influenza can be found at the ISDH website at www.in.gov/isdh/25462.htm
The ISDH influenza website is at www.in.gov/isdh/files/2012QuickFact_Influenza.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website:
For variant influenza A information: www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu
For Seasonal Flu Information for schools and childcare providers:
