Reports of Novel Influenza A (H3N2) in the United States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting an increase in reports of a novel H3N2 strain, which has been identified in isolated situations in five states. North Dakota currently has not reported a case related to this event. In total, 12 cases of a novel influenza A (H3N2) have been reported nationwide. The median age of these cases is 3 years with a range of 11 months to 59 years.

The virus previously has been found in U.S. swine and some cases have been associated with direct or close swine contact as well as person-to-person transmission. The virus is substantially different from seasonal (human) influenza A (H3N2) viruses, but is distantly related to human influenza viruses that circulated among people before 1990. For this reason some adults may have residual immunity against this virus, but it appears that children are widely susceptible to these viruses.

We are asking that providers report any increases in influenza-like illness (fever and cough/sore throat) to the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) as well as any patients with influenza-like illness who indicate that they have recent direct or indirect contact with swine within a week of illness onset. The NDDoH also is asking providers to report patients presenting with influenza-like illness that may be associated with outbreaks, particularly in children attending school and child care. The NDDoH may request collecting specimens for influenza testing at the Division of Laboratory Services in the event of an influenza-like illness outbreak. All patients who are hospitalized with influenza-like illness without another known cause should have a specimen submitted for testing at the NDDoH Division of Laboratory Services. Rapid testing for this virus at this time appears to be sensitive to identifying the virus, though some cases have tested rapid negative.

If you have questions or concerns, or to report an influenza case (including rapid positives), contact the Division of Disease Control at 800.472.2180. Reporting of cases or outbreaks also can be done online by going to www.ndflu.com/Reporting/OnLineReporting.aspx. If you have questions about influenza testing, contact the Division of Laboratory Services at 701.328.6272.

More information on the novel influenza A H3N2 viruses can be found by visiting www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/index.htm.

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