In addition to H3N2 exposure, the woman had other medical conditions that may have contributed to her death, ODH said.
“H3N2v, like many other viruses, has the greatest potential to impact those with weakened immune systems,” ODH Director Dr. Ted Wymyslo said. “We have been seeing a mild illness in most individuals infected with the H3N2v virus, so there’s no need for alarm. However, it is important for those at-risk individuals to take extra precautions like avoiding swine exhibits to protect themselves.”
Ohio has identified 102 cases of H3N2. All the individuals are between 6 months and 61 years old, and most of them have recovered from the illness.
ODH identified children younger than 5 years old, people 65 years and older, pregnant women and people with certain chronic conditions such as asthma and other lung diseases, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune system, and neurological or neurodevelopmental disorders as the most at-risk groups to contract the virus.
The state has been dealing with H3N2 cases since the end of July when ODH first notified local health departments and care providers throughout the state to be mindful of influenza-type sicknesses. Two swine were dismissed from the Ohio State Fair after showing symptoms of the flu. On August 2, the Center for Disease Control confirmed 9 people who had direct contact with swine at the Butler County Fair contracted H3N2.