Pennsylvania reports first novel influenza A virus, or 'swine flu' case in the US this year
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports a human infection with a novel influenza A virus. The patient was infected with an influenza A(H1N2) variant (A(H1N2)v) virus.
The patient is < 18 years of age, sought healthcare during the week ending March 9, 2024, was hospitalized, and has since recovered.
Health officials report the patient had swine contact prior to their illness onset. Additional investigation identified mild illness in two of the patient’s close contacts who also had contact with swine, that began prior to the patient’s onset of symptoms.
No person-to-person transmission of A(H1N2)v virus associated with this patient has been identified. The investigation is ongoing.
This is the first human infection with a variant influenza A virus reported in the United States in 2024.
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When an influenza virus that normally circulates in swine (but not people) is detected in a person, it is called a “variant” influenza virus. Most human infections with variant influenza viruses occur following exposure to swine, but human-to-human transmission can occur. It is important to note that in most cases, variant influenza viruses have not shown the ability to spread easily and sustainably from person to person.
Early identification and investigation of human infections with novel influenza A viruses are critical so that the risk of infection can be understood, and appropriate public health measures can be taken.