The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States has been reporting an outbreak of a strain of influenza that spread from pigs to people (vH3N2). It is a relatively new strain of swine influenza that has one of the genes from the pandemic H1N1 virus (the matrix or M gene). This strain appears to be able to spread more easily from pigs to people than other swine strains of influenza. Since July 2012, 288 people from 10 states are reported to have been infected with this new strain; resulting in 15 hospitalizations and 1 death. The main risk factor for infection is exposure to pigs; mostly in fair settings. Human infection resulting from vH3N2 resembles regular influenza. Limited human to human transmission has occurred, with most infections resulting from exposure to pigs.

Due to this increase in number of human cases, the CDC is recommending that people at risk for complication of influenza avoid exposure to pigs. There have been no cases of vH3N2 reported in humans in Canada, however, it is possible that infection will be seen here as well. Therefore, it appears prudent to follow the advice being provided in the United States with regard to pig exposures at upcoming fall fairs.

The CDC is advising that the following individuals (who are higher risk for influenza complications) avoid pigs and pig arenas at fairs:
· children younger than 5 years of age;
· people with certain chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems;
· pregnant women; and
· people 65 years and older.

Additional information can be found on the CDC web site.

Bryna