Swine Influenza Virus Infections in Humans

Abstract

Influenza in swine was first recognized as an epizootic disease in 1918. During that same year influenza virus in humans caused the worst pandemic on record. The virus of swine influenza was isolated in 1930. Swine influenza virus was first isolated from humans in 1974. Since then, including the cases at Fort Dix, there have been a total of nine viral isolations from humans in the United States. Serologic evidence of infections with swine influenza virus in humans has also been obtained. Evidence for transmission of swine influenza virus to humans before 1974 is minimal and circumstantial. Recent recognition of infections with swine influenza virus may be the result of better surveillance, increased numbers of susceptible humans, or increased viral infectivity for humans. Nevertheless, the apparent frequency of human infections and the declining levels of antibodies to swine influenza virus in the human population suggest that influenza viruses of swine may be a potential source of epidemic disease for humans.