Three cases of influenza likely not covered by this year's flu vaccine have been found in southwestern Pennsylvania.
That doesn't mean we can expect another outbreak like the H1N1 (swine-flu) epidemic in 2009, said Howard Nadworny, M.D., chief of infectious diseases for Saint Vincent Health Center.
"We see similar isolated cases of influenza almost every year," Nadworny said. "The key is whether this strain can spread person to person. The answer is usually no."
Three children who attended the Washington County Agricultural Fair in mid-August each came down with a novel type-A influenza. One child has already recovered from the virus, while the other two are recuperating, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
The strain is similar to the H3N2 flu virus, but it also has a component of the H1N1 virus commonly known as swine flu.
Though this year's vaccine covers both H3N2 and H1N1, it might not protect against this novel virus that contains components of both.
"We have seen nothing to indicate that this virus has spread from one person to another," Nadworny said. "If it can, we will start seeing more cases."
Health investigators from the state Health and Agriculture departments and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have not uncovered how the three children acquired the flu virus.
Most likely, they picked it up from contact with pigs or other wildlife, Nadworny said.
That doesn't mean you have to avoid farm animals or stay away from county fairs, said the state's top health official.
"We're not telling people to avoid public venues or fairs," said Eli Avila, M.D., Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary. "But until we complete our investigation, we want to make sure the public is aware and is taking the proper precautions to protect their health."
It's good news that health officials are investigating out-of-season flu cases and publishing the results, Nadworny said.
"It increases awareness," Nadworny said. "Practitioners are more likely to do a flu test if a patient comes in with flu-like symptoms, even though we are out of season."
Flu season usually arrives in northwestern Pennsylvania between January and March, though the 2009 H1N1 outbreak occurred in the fall.
DAVID BRUCE can be reached at 870-1736 or by e-mail.
http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art ... ewssitemap
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
