Occupational Health & Safety

Influenza

Humans are considered the reservoir for human-influenza viruses. Influenza-virus infections with different antigenic strains occur naturally in many animals, including avian species, swine, horses, mink and seals. Animal reservoirs are thought to contribute to the emergence of new human strains of human influenza viruses, perhaps by reassortment (PDF) of animal strains with human strains. In the laboratory, ferrets are highly susceptible to human influenza and are often used as experimental models.

Transmission is by the airborne route and by direct contact. The transmission of animal-influenza strains from animals to humans is rare. However, ferrets housed in the laboratory will develop epizootic infection concomitant with human outbreaks of human influenza. Swine influenza virus has recently been isolated in two separate incidents in children in California.

Influenza is an acute disease of the respiratory tract characterized by fever, headache, myalgia, prostration, coryza, sore throat, and cough. Viral pneumonia and gastrointestinal involvement manifested by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also develop.

Personnel should wear appropriate protective clothing and practice good personal hygiene if contact with animals suspected of having influenza is unavoidable.