SLV ramps up flu surveillance

VALLEY – Public health and healthcare providers are collaborating to investigate and monitor a novel case of influenza.

Last week an individual in the San Luis Valley was found to be infected with a rare type of influenza A virus, H1N2v.  Illness from variant flu viruses is usually mild, with symptoms similar to seasonal flu.

An investigation is ongoing into how the individual, who is now recovering, may have contracted the virus to limit further exposure in the community.

In response, public health has asked healthcare providers in the San Luis Valley to increase influenza surveillance and testing. This virus rarely spreads from human-to-human, and no spread from this case has been detected.