The Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed 12 human cases of H3N2 swine flu during the last week of July. Ten of these cases were in Ohio, 1 in Indiana and 1 in Hawaii. Nearly all of these infections occurred in people that had close contact with pigs, mostly at agricultural fairs. The cases reported have all been mild resembling typical seasonal flu symptoms and none required hospitalization.
With county fair season in full swing and State Fair approaching, we are working with Nebraska State Health Officials who are monitoring the situation closely, and fair officials to take necessary precautions. There appears little cause for concern in attending or exhibitng at fairs, but fairgoers should be reminded to take the following precautions:
• Wash your hands often with soap and running water before and after contact with animals.
• Never eat, drink or put things in your mouth while in animal areas and don’t take food or drink into animal areas.
We will keep you posted if more information becomes available.
-- Kathleen Lodl