Case of H3N2 Swine Flu confirmed in Ingham County resident

LANSING (WWJ) The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Ingham County Health Department have identified a human case of swine flu, or Influenza A H3N2 variant.

In the press release; the MDHHS said the person, a resident of Ingham County, was diagnosed in late July. While H3N2v is often associated with pigs and swine, health officials are still investigating the source of exposure.

Both the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories and the Centers of Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) tested the specimen  for enhanced influenza virus sequence monitoring. From the MDHHS, it came back as presumptive positive. The CDC confirmed the diagnosis.

H3N2v is different than the “highly pathogenic” avian influenza A, MDHHS said.

“While we believe this is an isolated case, Michigan residents should monitor for flu-like symptoms: fever, respiratory symptoms like cough and runny nose and body aches,” Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian said in the press release. “If you have these symptoms, we recommend taking a test for influenza as well as COVID-19….”

According to MDHHS, emergency department visits across Michigan for influenza are "currently low” , as is the risk to the general public.

MDHHS said you can take extra precautions at fairs, farms and exhibits:

-Do not eat or drink in livestock barns or show rings

-Do not take toys, pacifiers, cups, strollers, baby bottles or similar items into pig areas

-Anyone at high risk of serious flu complications, who is planning to attend a fair, should avoid pig and swine barns

-Wash hands often with soap and water. If it is not available, use an alcohol based hand-rub.

-Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth to avoid spreading germs

“While most individuals recover from influenza, including illnesses from variant viruses like H3N2v, these infections can sometimes cause severe disease, even in healthy people,” the press release read. “If someone experiences respiratory symptoms, they should share any recent exposure to livestock with their doctor so that influenza testing can be considered.”

Learn more from the CDC here