• Scott Epperson, Michael Jhung, Shawn Richards, Patricia Quinlisk, Lauren Ball, Mària Moll, Rachelle Boulton, Loretta Haddy, Matthew Biggerstaff, Lynnette Brammer, Susan Trock, Erin Burns, Thomas Gomez, Karen K Wong, Jackie Katz, Stephen Lindstrom, Alexander Klimov, Joseph S Bresee, Daniel B Jernigan, Nancy Cox, Lyn Finelli, and Influenza A (H3N2)v Virus Investigation Team.
• Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. sepperson@cdc.gov
• Clin. Infect. Dis. 2013 Jul 1;57 Suppl 1:S4-S11.

AbstractBACKGROUND. During August 2011-April 2012, 13 human infections with influenza A(H3N2) variant (H3N2v) virus were identified in the United States; 8 occurred in the prior 2 years. This virus differs from previous variant influenza viruses in that it contains the matrix (M) gene from the Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic influenza virus. METHODS. A case was defined as a person with laboratory-confirmed H3N2v virus infection. Cases and contacts were interviewed to determine exposure to swine and other animals and to assess potential person-to-person transmission. RESULTS. Median age of cases was 4 years, and 12 of 13 (92%) were children. Pig exposure was identified in 7 (54%) cases. Six of 7 cases with swine exposure (86%) touched pigs, and 1 (14%) was close to pigs without known direct contact. Six cases had no swine exposure, including 2 clusters of suspected person-to-person transmission. All cases had fever; 12 (92%) had respiratory symptoms, and 3 (23%) were hospitalized for influenza. All 13 cases recovered. CONCLUSIONS. H3N2v virus infections were identified at a high rate from August 2011 to April 2012, and cases without swine exposure were identified in influenza-like illness outbreaks, indicating that limited person-to-person transmission likely occurred. Variant influenza viruses rarely result in sustained person-to-person transmission; however, the potential for this H3N2v virus to transmit efficiently is of concern. With minimal preexisting immunity in children and the limited cross-protective effect from seasonal influenza vaccine, the majority of children are susceptible to infection with this novel influenza virus.

31 keywords...

hide…