Swine flu outbreak in US state

14 August 2012 11:10

A nurse wearing protective clothing as advised for dealing with potential swine flu patients

A nurse wearing protective clothing as advised for dealing with potential swine flu patients

The number of swine flu cases in the US has surged in the past week, with 145 new ones reported.

The country's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the increase in the number of reported cases of the H3N2v virus and has suggested that there are two cases where human-to-human transmission could have taken place.

The outbreak of the disease in the US has been ongoing, with 16 cases reported in total on up until August 3.

The sudden increase may be partially due to a change in the way reports of the virus are recorded as positive test results can be confirmed before additional CDC tests have taken place.

However, Jospeh Bresee, chief of the CDC Influenza Division said in a teleconference: "We're seeing a big increase, and we think it's a real increase."

The virus has mild symptoms, similar to that of common flu, and only two people have been hospitalised in the recent outbreak. However, travellers to the country should make sure they have taken out medical travel insurance to make sure they are covered if they need medical treatment.

Indiana appears to be the worst affected area with 120 reported cases. Hawaii, Illinois and Ohio have also seen cases of the virus.

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