Indiana health officials have now confirmed 113 cases of variant influenza A (H3N2v), in 18 counties statewide. This includes Kosciusko County in northeast Indiana.
Variant Influenza A virus can be directly transmitted from swine to people and from people to swine. Officials have not confirmed human-to-human transmission.
More cases are expected to be confirmed this week, according to a written statement issued Wednesday by the Indiana State Department of Health
Variant influenza A cases have been confirmed in the following counties: Bartholomew, Greene, Hamilton, Hendricks, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Porter, Scott, Tipton, Washington and White.
The state health department has set up a call center to answer questions regarding variant influenza A. The call center at 877-826-0011is open from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“It’s important for folks to remember this is a mild illness with symptoms similar to what we see with seasonal flu,” said Dr. Gregory Larkin, state health commissioner, in the statement.
He said no vaccine is available because it is a relatively new strain.
He said the best prevention “thorough and frequent hand washing and by being mindful not to eat around barn animals.”
FYI
- This flu’s symptoms usually include fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Symptoms may last anywhere from three to eight days.
- Influenza viruses are not transmitted by eating pork and pork products.
- Online: ISDH/Influenza
