Two residents in Michigan have contracted swine flu viruses, marking the first human cases in 2023, the CDC confirmed Aug. 4.
Both individuals developed the infections after being exposed to pigs at agricultural fairs held in July.
Health officials reported a presumptive positive influenza A(H3) virus infection for the first individual on July 26. The second individual, who attended a different agricultural fair, tested positive for influenza A(H1N2)v on Aug. 2.
Both patients were treated with antivirals and recovered without the need for hospitalization. To date, no human spread of either virus strains have been identified.
"While infections with swine influenza viruses usually cause mild illness, they are concerning because they can cause severe illness, especially in people at higher risk of serious flu complications, and because of their pandemic potential," the CDC said. "These infections are fully investigated to be sure that such viruses are not spreading in an efficient and ongoing way in people and to limit further exposure of people to infected animals if infected animals are identified."