NJ Department of Health Alerts and Bulletins

The NJ State Department of Health has notified the Society of the following issues:

1) The year's first case of Influenza A H3N2 variant (H3N2v) virus was reported by the CDC on July 25, 2015. This case was reported in Minnesota, and the individual involved was hospitalized and is now recovering.

It is important to note that since H3N2v first emerged in 2011, CDC has reported a total of 344 cases from 13 states and, there have been no cases in New Jersey. However, since it is possible that this virus may emerge in the state, NJDOH is encouraging our partners to remain educated and vigilant.

H3N2v has not demonstrated ongoing human-to-human transmission, and the current case reported in Minnesota had close contact with swine (pigs) in the week prior to illness onset - the major risk factor for infection.

Contained in the body of this message and as separate attachments, please find general information regarding H3N2v as well as the surveillance and testing criteria that should be used when considering H3N2v as a potential diagnosis.

Influenza viruses that normally circulate in pigs are called "variant" viruses when they are found in people. Influenza A H3N2 variant viruses (also known as "H3N2v" viruses) with the matrix (M) gene from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus were first detected in people in July 2011.
In 2012, 309 cases of H3N2v infection across 12 states were detected. A small number of cases were also detected in 2013 (n=19) and 2014 (n=3).

2) The New Jersey Department of Health is investigating a statewide cluster of Salmonella Javiana. To date, twenty-three cases have been identified and linked by Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). The majority of cases have been identified in Monmouth and Ocean counties but five additional counties have at least one case associated with this cluster. The onset dates range from July 9, 2015 to July 18, 2015 and have an age range of 5 to 60 years (median 22 years). NJDOH is working with local health departments where cases have been identified and are conducting detailed case interviews to determine the potential source of this cluster.

NJDOH notified CDC of this cluster who determined that the NJ cases are not associated with a larger nationwide cluster. Neighboring states (i.e., NY, DE, PA) have been notified to report to NJDOH any Salmonella Javiana cases with a travel history to NJ.

At this time, there is no additional action to be taken by local health departments where cases have not yet been identified. However, NJDOH would like to stress the importance of conducting interviews and obtaining a seven day food history on all identified Salmonella cases.