Hawaii confirms H3N2 variant in Maui resident

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An influenza variant virus recognized to be circulating in swine since last year has infected a Maui resident according to Hawaii health officials.The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) said in a news release Tuesday:

The resident sought medical attention after experiencing symptoms consistent with the regular flu, including fever, cough, and body aches. Because the patient's primary care doctor is a participant in DOH’s influenza-like illness sentinel network (ILINet), a respiratory specimen was sent to the State Laboratories Division for testing. Lab results for H3N2v virus were confirmed by CDC late last week. The resident has since fully recovered without need for hospitalization.

Hawaii Health Director Loretta Fuddy commended the entire health network in discovering this case, "Fortunately, we have a robust surveillance network and our State Laboratory detected this variant virus and conferred with federal partners.Thanks to the excellent cooperation of Hawaii's healthcare providers, participation in our sentinel network exceeds CDC recommendations. In addition to our state laboratory’s ability to identify unusual flu strains, sentinel physicians contribute to our ability to catch incidents such as this, which might otherwise fall below the radar."The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says a “variant influenza virus” is when an influenza virus that normally circulates in swine (but not people) is detected in a person.Most of the recent human H3N2v virus infections have occurred after contact with pigs, although in some cases, the virus seems to have spread from person-to-person.A human infection with H3N2v virus resembles symptoms seen in regular seasonal flu infections, which may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea, and vomiting.“The virus seems to be behaving as previously observed in other cases, with illness similar to seasonal flu and with no sustained community transmission,” noted State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park. “Still, anyone who develops flu-like illness within a week after close contact with domestic pigs should see their healthcare provider.”Hawaii health officials warn however, that children, pregnant women, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems should be especially careful around pigs and practice good hand washing habits.State, local and federal health authorities are investigating to find the source of the virus.To report a suspected case of H3N2v virus infection, clinicians should contact the Disease Investigation Branch at             (808) 586-4586       . Laboratory questions should be directed to the State Laboratories Division at             (808) 453-6700       .For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page