Laboratory tests performed following the mass chicken deaths in Palau found no evidence of avian influenza there, and the deaths, as well as farm workers illnesses, were likely caused by the variant influenza A (H3N2) virus, according to the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services. All farm workers who were ill are now healthy, and no more chickens have died, according to a Public Health press release. H3N2v is a non-human influenza virus that normally circulates in pigs and that has infected humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Viruses that normally circulate in pigs are “swine influenza viruses.” When these viruses infect humans, they are termed “variant” viruses, the website states. Currently, the severity of human illness associated with H3N2v resembles that of seasonal flu, the website states. Read the Public Health press release in its entirety below: For Immediate Release April 15, 2014; 10:15am DPHSS Release No. 2014-029 Update on Human and Illness and Chicken Death in Palau Based on available laboratory test results, it is likely that Palau is experiencing an outbreak among residents due to an influenza A virus. Additional testing to determine the characterization of the influenza virus circulating in Palau will be done at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. According to the latest report, there is no evidence to suggest that any illness on Palau among humans or chickens has been the result of an avian influenza subtype. Palau may be experiencing a seasonal influenza outbreak, most likely caused by influenza A (H3N2), and the recently reported mass chicken deaths are probably unrelated. All farm workers who were ill are now healthy, and no more chickens have died in Palau. Because of the number Guam residents traveling and the number of visitors to Guam from countries that may be experiencing influenza outbreaks, the Department of Public Health and Social Services is reminding the public and local health care providers of the importance of influenza vaccination, especially for high-risk persons including those who may be pregnant or have certain chronic diseases as well as immune-compromised persons, health care personnel, hospital patients, children, and residents planning to travel. Lastly, stay home from work or school when sick and practice frequent hand washing and good cough etiquette. For more information, please call 735-7298 or 735-7142. -30- Linda Santos Word Processing Secretary II 123 Chalan Kareta Mangilao, Guam 96913-6304 671-735-7102 Fax-671-734-5910 dphss.guam.gov
Posted on: Tue, 15 Apr 2014 02:33:45 +0000
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