A resident of Ingham County was diagnosed with H3N2v influenza frequently associated with hogs.  The diagnosis was confirmed in late July after preliminary identification by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Laboratories and was then subjected to virus sequence assay by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emerging Infection Program.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian of the Michigan Department of Health noted, “While we believe this is an isolated case, Michigan residents should monitor for flu-like symptoms including a cough, nasal discharge and body aches.  It was recommended that patients with symptoms should be tested for both influenza A and COVID-19 and remain isolated until recovery.

Michigan has adopted a proactive approach to bovine influenza-H5N1 and there is close cooperation between the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Health and Human Services to the benefit of residents and livestock producers.  Tim Boring Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development noted, “As part of our state’s One Health approach agencies are committed to collaborative action protecting both animal and public health.”