DETROIT – The first case of swine flu in the state of Michigan has been reported in Washtenaw County.
The Michigan Department of Community Health announced Wednesday that a Washtenaw County child has tested positive for influenza A (H3N2) variant, also called H3N2v.
The child had exposure to swine on Aug. 1 at the Ingham County Fair and has experienced mild illness. The child was not hospitalized. The state laboratory test results are going to be sent to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation.
"While this strain of flu is new to Michigan, it's important that people remember the common-sense, simple steps that can be taken to protect their health as we would with any flu season," said Dr. Dean Sienko, interim chief medical executive of the MDCH. "Washing your hands, covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, and staying home when you feel sick are some of the best ways to protect yourself and others from becoming ill."
Local 4 Medical Expert Dr. Frank McGeorge says the virus is new to Michigan but not nearby states.
"Indiana, with about 120 cases, and Ohio, with at least 30 cases, have been leading the nation for some time now," McGeorge said. "Essentially, all of the cases, including the newest one in Michigan, involve contact with pigs either in an agricultural setting or county fairs."
McGeorge said the v in H3N2v means the virus is a variant which can spread from pigs to humans, but the amount that can spread between humans is very limited.
"H3N2v has not caused any deaths and it is not in any way related to eating pork products," he said.