INDIANAPOLIS—Today health officials confirmed two cases of variant influenza A in Tippecanoe County and a slight increase in some counties already known to have cases, bringing the statewide total to 120 confirmed cases. Nineteen counties in Indiana have now been impacted by this outbreak.

The Indiana State Department of Health has set up a call center to answer the general public’s questions regarding variant influenza A. The call center is open from 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The call center telephone number is (877) 826-0011.

Flu symptoms usually include fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.  Symptoms may last anywhere from three to eight days.

To avoid influenza and other respiratory infections, Hoosiers are reminded to follow these simple practices:

·         Wash your hands frequently, including before and after touching animals.

·         Never eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth when visiting animal areas. 

·         Older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems should be extra careful around animals. 

·         Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow. 

·         If possible, avoid contact with those who are ill. 

·         Stay home if you develop influenza symptoms and contact your health care provider. 

Health officials have not determined person to person transmission at this time, but continue to investigate the possibility. Variant Influenza A virus can be directly transmitted from swine to people and from people to swine. Human infections are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to live infected pigs, such as working with them in barns and livestock exhibits at fairs.  Influenza viruses are not transmitted by eating pork and pork products. 

Additional information regarding influenza can be found at the Indiana State Department of Health website at www.in.gov/isdh/25462.htm.