Influenza A H3N2v or Variant H3N2 (swine flu) has been reported in four individuals who attended an Indiana County Fair. Grant County Health Officials say all four individuals visited the fair prior to becoming ill and 2 had contact with swine. The State Board of Animal Health reported 13 pigs tested positive for the virus. CDC reported last year there were 309 human cases of H3N2v.
This report is a reminder to those of us involved with county and State Fairs to be aware of the virus and encourage 4-H exhibitors and attendees to take precautions to avoid contracting the virus. Human cases of the virus are rare and are more commonly found in people who have had contact with swine. And as with all flu viruses death can occur.
The EDEN Swine Influenza Topic Page has been updated and I refer you to the page for issues related to the virus:
1. 4-H National Headquarters and CDC 2012 factsheet for all swine exhibitors, their families and staff working with swine at the fairs.
2. Archived Healthy Fairs webinar.
3. More about the virus.
4. Food safety of pork and pork products.
E. Kim Cassel, Ph.D.
Professor, College of Education and Human Sciences
Communications Specialist, NC Region Sun Grant Center
Suite 301
Foundation Building
815 Medary Ave.
Brookings, SD 57007
605-696-7873