A Sussex County resident is the first laboratory-confirmed case of a variant influenza in Delaware.
The Delaware Division of Public Health says this first case of the flu, in this instance - H3N2v, is mild and the girl - who is under 18 - is recovering.
DPH believes she contracted the virus after having close contact with pigs at the Anne Arundel County Fair.
When an influenza virus that normally infects pigs is found in people, it is called a “variant” influenza virus. It’s also more commonly known as the "swine flu."
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has been investigating the appearance of the virus in pigs at fairs in Charles, Frederick and Anne Arundel Counties.
DPH says any individual who visited any Maryland County fair within the last seven to 10 days, had contact with pigs, and has subsequently developed flu symptoms after their last exposure, should call their doctor to discuss the potential need for a flu test.
Last flu season, Delaware had over 4,500 confirmed flu cases, 15 of which were fatal. The new flu season starts in October.
