CDC Confirms Recent Human Infections with Flu Viruses from Pigs

August 30, 2022 — 

The total count of human infections in the United States with a flu virus that usually spreads in pigs is now five this year.

The most recent variant flu infection was associated with subtype H1N2v in a person who attended an agricultural fair in Ohio on the day of their illness onset. No person-to-person spread of this virus associated with this person has been confirmed. In July, another H1N2v virus was identified in Oregon and three H3N2v infections were reported in West Virginia. The H3N2v cases were reported among attendees of an agricultural fair in West Virginia where pigs had tested positive for swine flu A(H3N2) virus. CDC genetic sequencing data indicated that the viruses from the infected people were nearly identical to those obtained from infected pigs at the same fair.

While these types of infections usually cause mild illness, they are concerning because they can cause severe illness, especially in people at higher risk of serious flu complications, and because of their potential to cause a flu pandemic should they obtain the ability to spread easily from person to person in a sustained way. CDC recommends people take precautions around pigs.

CDC is monitoring this situation closely and reports these cases in FluView. Past and current novel influenza A virus infections, including variant virus cases, by season and subtype are available in FluView Interactive.

Get free CDC resources

• Take Action to Prevent the Spread of Flu Between Pigs and People
• Key Facts for People Exhibiting Pigs at Fairs
• Information for Fair Organizers and People Exhibiting Pigs
• What People Who Raise Pigs Need to Know About Influenza (Flu)

[Source: CDC 30 August 2022]