When an outbreak of the H1N1 virus (otherwise known as swine flu) was first reported in April of 2009, fears of a global pandemic were raised by its genetic similarity to the devastating epidemic of 1918-1919. However, the 2009 epidemic turned out to be much less intense, owing in part to a massive accelerated campaign to produce and distribute specific anti-H1N1 vaccine. But now swine flu is back although the latest strain has so far hit pigs harder than humans.
According to a recent CDC report, the number of people infected with a new strain derived from pigs (H3N2v) is on the rise. As of last week, over 150 cases a considerable increase from the 12 cases confirmed in the week before had been documented.
H3N2v has been transmitted mostly at agricultural fairs, where farms exhibit their livestock for people to see and pet. Thankfully, transmission has thus far been seen mainly among sick swine, and the humans infected have not demonstrated any viral transmission from person to person yet. The virus has so far been reported in four states, including Hawaii, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio, with a higher proportion of infections found among children. Hospitalizations have been minimal; the illness so far has been reported to be mild, much like the regular flu. But even so, this latest strain is still not to be taken lightly.
The silver lining of this headline-making (albeit small) outbreak may be its potential to remind people to get their flu vaccinations this year.Between 5 and 15 percent of the U.S. population falls ill with seasonal flu each year, which can kill anywhere from 3,000 to 50,000 people, says ACSH s Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. It s important, then, to be vaccinated against the virus not only to protect yourself against the flu, but others as well.