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Indiana resident gets flu from pigs at county fair

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Indiana has recorded the first case of flu contracted from pigs since 2013, state health officials said.

Test results Friday confirmed the first human case of H3N2 variant influenza in the United States this year, according the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Indiana resident was exposed to the virus from pigs at a county fair that has ended. A news release from the state’s Department of Health and Board of Animal Health did not identify the residents or the county where the fair occurred. The release said the resident is recovering. The affected county health department was notified and is collaborating with state health officials.

“No additional details about the patient or the fair will be released at this time in order to maintain the patient’s privacy,” the release said. 

Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. H3N2v is most commonly associated with contact with pigs, the release said. Influenza viruses are not transmitted by eating pork and pork products.

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, headaches and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. Influenza antiviral drugs can treat H3N2v as well as seasonal flu illness in people.

State health officials were warning people to take precautions when they visit pig shows: 

  • Avoid eating, drinking, using tobacco or putting anything else in your mouth while in pig barns and show arenas.
  • Avoid taking toys, pacifiers, cups, bottles, strollers or similar items into pig barns and show arenas.
  • Wash hands often with soap and running water before and after attending pig exhibits. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Stay home if you are sick with flu-like illness.
  • People at high risk for serious complications from the flu should avoid pigs and should not enter swine barns. These populations include children younger than 5, pregnant women, people 65 and older and people with long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, as well as those with weakened immune systems. 

State officials also warned fair exhibitors to watch pigs for signs of illness, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, cough or runny nose. Exhibitors should minimize the number of people who have contact with ill swine and notify the fair veterinarian or manager that their animal might be ill. People who must come in contact with pigs that are exhibiting signs of illness should wash their hands frequently with soap and water and wear protective clothing, including gloves and masks that cover the mouth and nose.

The CDC offers additional guidance for exhibitors on its website.

According to the CDC, more than 400 cases of H3N2v influenza have been identified in people nationwide since 2011. More than one-third of those cases have occurred in Indiana. The National Pork Board reported in 2017 that Indiana ranks fifth among states with the most hogs, with nearly 2 million produced.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box issued a statement: 

“Seeing animals is one of the highlights of going to the fair, but it’s important to remember that animals can carry diseases that can make people sick. Washing your hands after attending animal exhibits and practicing good food hygiene can help prevent illness and ensure that the fair and other events remain a healthy and fun experience.”