Swine Influenza (swine flu)
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is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses has been documented. See General Information about Swine Flu.
H1N1 Flu Update with HHS Sec. Kathleen Sebelius
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From December 2005 through February 2009, a total of 12 human infections with swine influenza were reported from 10 states in the United States. Since March 2009, a number of confirmed human cases of a new strain of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in the U.S. and internationally have been identified. An investigation into these cases is ongoing. For more information see Human Swine Flu Investigation.
Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the United States. Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection also have been identified internationally. The current U.S. case count is provided below.
U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
(As of May 1, 2009, 11:00 AM ET)
| States | # of laboratory confirmed cases | Deaths | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 4 | ||
| California | 13 | ||
| Colorado | 2 | ||
| Delaware | 4 | ||
| Illinois | 3 | ||
| Indiana | 3 | ||
| Kansas | 2 | ||
| Kentucky* | 1 | ||
| Massachusetts | 2 | ||
| Michigan | 2 | ||
| Minnesota | 1 | ||
| Nebraska | 1 | ||
| Nevada | 1 | ||
| New Jersey | 5 | ||
| New York | 50 | ||
| Ohio | 1 | ||
| South Carolina |
16
|
||
| Texas |
28
|
1 | |
| Virginia |
2
|
||
| TOTAL (19) | 141 cases | 1 death | |
| International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection See: World Health Organization  * Case is resident of KY but currently hospitalized in GA. |
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Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with swine influenza viruses.
CDC is working very closely with officials in states where human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) have been identified, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization. This includes deploying staff domestically and internationally to provide guidance and technical support. CDC has activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate this investigation.
Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir and has issued interim guidance for the use of these drugs to treat and prevent infection with swine influenza viruses. CDC also has prepared interim guidance on how to care for people who are sick and interim guidance on the use of face masks in a community setting where spread of this swine flu virus has been detected. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide new information as it becomes available.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
- Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
- Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.
