MI Resident Infected With Swine Flu, First Human Case Of 2024

INGHAM COUNTY, MI — An Ingham County resident has been sickened by swine flu, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

The person tested positive for influenza A H3N2 in July, making it Michigan's first swine flu case of 2024, according to health officials.

Health officials were still trying to determine how the person was exposed to the virus, since they don't think the person was exposed to swine or other animals.

The swine flu is a strain of influenza is usually connected with pigs. It is not the same influenza strain as the bird flu, which has spread through dairy farms across Michigan and the world.

At least two workers were sickened by bird flu in Michigan, according to health officials.

Health officials believe swine flu transmission to the general public is low, but symptoms typically include fever, respiratory symptoms like cough and runny nose and body aches.

Anyone who experiences respiratory symptoms should tell their doctor about any recent exposure to livestock so they can be tested for strains of influenza associated with animals.

As of Friday, emergency department visits for influenza in Michigan are low, according to the health department.

To avoid exposure to swine flu, the state health department recommended people take the following steps:

• Avoid eating or drinking in livestock barns or show rings.
• Don't take toys, pacifiers, baby bottles, strollers or other child items into pig areas.
• Anyone who is at risk of serious flu complications should avoid swine and pig barns at fairs.
• Wash hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water isn't available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs spread that way.